An open letter to Javier Morales

Javier Morales is leaving Real Salt Lake and I am not sure what to do with that information. I am sure that many of you feel the same way that I do, that you want to track him down (creepy) and beg him to stay here forever — that doesn’t seem to be the way that things are headed right now.

Words escape me. I think in a way I knew that this day would come eventually, but I had hoped that it wouldn’t happen this way, or when we all feel the way that we do. When one of the heroes of your clubs story walks away you want it to be on the grandest stage — to be celebrated rather than mourned. I feel like I am in mourning right now. This is me getting that out.

Dear Javi,

Thank you.

That’s not sufficient but it’s what I can muster.

There’s so much that is packed into those two words for me and for so many RSL fans. You came to us at a time when we needed an identity and you helped give it to us. You lead the way with your smile and passion not only for the game but for all of us in the stands and at home watching the magic you created on the field. You gave us so many reasons to believe. Your tweet has shaken the very foundation on which the team we all love so much is built because you are that foundation. Your skill, work ethic, leadership, and devotion will be missed more than I think you or I can understand. The worst part about this whole thing is that you deserved so much more than a goodbye in a tweet. You deserve to be sent off, one last time, with the applause of the thousands who looked to you as the maestro of Real Salt Lake. You deserve a thank you as grand as the glory that you have brought to this club. You’ve earned that and so much more for the joy that you have helped bring to Rio Tinto.

Thank you for the Javi and Kyle show.

Thank you for through balls to Yura and Robbie.

Thank you for bringing us the Rocky Mountain Cup (repeatedly)

Thank you for bringing home an MLS Cup.

Thank you for pushing us past irrelevancy.

Thank you for every single CONCACAF memory and for showing us all what this club should aspire to be.

Thank you for free kicks that awed and made our minds melt. (Never let Bomma forget that you beat him and we have it on video.)

Thank you for that bicycle kick goal (YOU KNOW).

Thank you for showing us what it is to truly enjoy the game.

Thank you sharing the joy you have for your family with us.

Thank you for waving at fans after the game, for posing for pictures, for allowing us to interrupt your life so that we could enjoy ours a little more.

Thank you for your attitude in the hard times.

Thank you for never giving up on us, for always giving your all when called upon, for building Real Salt Lake with us.

Thank you for loving us, our city, and our club.

You are a legend. You will always be a legend. This city will never forget you. This club will never forget you.

RSLTID

Jake