Jimmy Greaves did not attend Wembley on Sunday . A lot of people tend to get upset when this happens . The one who doesn ’ t is Jimmy Greaves . If he wanted to go , as a guest of either Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur , his former clubs , he could have secured a ticket , no problem . The Football League would probably love to have him , too . The issue isn ’ t that Greaves is short of invitations . He ’ s just not that into it . Jimmy Greaves was a great player , and does n't need a fuss around him when he decides not to attend games . This can happen when you ’ re 75 . Jimmy thinks of Wembley and , as much as the match — which he would enjoy — he imagines the queues of traffic on the North Circular , the hassles of parking and of spending the hour before kick-off having a big fuss made about his presence when he would rather be sat with a pot of tea in front of Liverpool and Manchester City and then the rugby . Jim loves the rugby . Truth be told , if Ireland versus England captured his attention , he might even have delayed changing channels until it was over . He finds it strange that people are still interested in getting him to Wembley . We want our heroes to behave like besotted fans , but Jim ’ s interests were always broader . Greaves ' interests were always broader than just football , and he should be left to enjoy his retirement . He liked playing , and was quite brilliant at it , but since retiring he ’ s as likely to be engrossed in a Test match as a cup final , and he hasn ’ t the ego to wish to be feted wherever he goes . He doesn ’ t claim to be an expert on the modern game , having not been a part of it for so long , but feels no animosity towards the Premier League or its high-earning players . For a man whose problems with alcohol led him to a psychiatric unit shortly after retirement , the second act of Jim ’ s life has been a triumph . We should perhaps acknowledge this , rather than wonder why he isn ’ t constantly seeking attention or another lap of honour . We should wish every former athlete the quiet contentment of Jimmy Greaves . Greaves does n't claim to be an expert about the modern game , and did n't want to attend the League Cup fianl .
Spurs and Chelsea legend Jimmy Greaves chose not to go to Wembley . Greaves said he would rather watch the rugby than his former clubs . The ex-England striker should not have his decision challenged . As a former great Greaves has the right to a quiet retirement .