Former soccer star selling cherries on the roadside deserves respect

A photograph of An Qi, a former star of the national men's soccer team, selling cherries on the roadside was posted online. Beijing News comments:

An must be one of the most famous Chinese soccer players of his time. He was the goalkeeper in the Chinese national team that took part in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and had lots of fans. Many were upset to see him selling cherries on the side of the road.

Maybe they should listen to what he had to say. "Yes it is me selling cherries. Do not worry because I am not in so bad situation as you imagine... I just hope to let my family live better."

That is a good, open attitude. Actually, by selling cherries as a roadside vendor, he makes money from his own labor, which is nothing to be ashamed of. On the contrary, he shows a good mentality because he accepts that he is now an ordinary person and no longer a star.

There are at least two lessons that can be learned from An's case. First, the whole society is based on the work of ordinary people and there is no shame in working. A roadside fruit seller deserves courtesy and respect just like anyone else. Second, success has multiple meanings and one does not need to be a star to be successful. Street vendors are an indispensable part of society, too. Those who only worship stars should change their mind because they might bring the whole society into a state of anxiety.

Only when the whole society starts accepting football stars selling cherries on the roadside will we be more tolerant.

For many retired athletes, learning to return to the ordinary life can be difficult. The end of their careers means that they have to change their way of life. Only with sober self adjustment can these retired athletes truly integrate into society.