“The greatest player that ever played for Cardiff" - Ex-teammates on Peter Whittingham
Former Cardiff players Dekel Keinan and Dane Griffiths share their memories of the late midfielder.
Peter Whittingham sadly passed away last month at the age of 35.
The Nuneaton-born star died as a result of head injuries sustained by an accidental fall.
Rumours flew around on social media of his passing, days before it happened but, sadly, Whittingham inevitably lost his fight.
Coming through the ranks at Aston Villa, Peter Whittingham broke into England’s under-21 side, making 17 appearances and scoring 3 goals.
As the likes of Stiliyan Petrov and Ashley Young arrived at Villa Park, league minutes began to dry up for Whittingham.
Having had spells on loan at Burnley and Derby County, he made the switch to Championship side Cardiff City in January 2007.
Here was where Whittingham made his name.
He made over 400 league appearances for the Bluebirds and was already fondly remembered for his long-range left-footed strikes upon his departure to Blackburn Rovers in 2017.
Dekel Keinan, an Israeli international footballer, teamed up with Cardiff City in 2011 and saw Whittingham as a huge inspiration.
He said:
“He was the most modest player I’ve ever met. He never made a big deal of his amazing goals or passes. He was a great teammate; a quiet one, but would give you a good word if you needed one.”
Dekel Keinan (left) and Peter Whittingham (right).
Keinan was obviously saddened by his friend’s passing, saying:
“I was in shock and it’s honestly still so hard to believe. It was impossible not to like him. He was such a nice guy.”
The former Bluebirds defender, currently with Sacramento Republic in the States, had an incredibly high opinion of Whittingham both on and off the field.
“I think Whitts had a good relationship with everybody on the team. He was our best player!”
Another former teammate to view Peter Whittingham as Cardiff’s best ever player was striker Dane Griffiths.
Dane Griffiths (right) playing for Brecon Corries in 2017.
Coming through the ranks in South East Wales, Griffiths retired early as a result of persistent injuries and now works as a personal trainer and massage therapist, running his own business.
He said:
“I was fortunate enough to know Peter. He was a role model for any young player and a complete professional on and off the field. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
“This is truly heartbreaking news. To lose someone young is extremely difficult. It is so upsetting and unfair.”
Whittingham was praised for his set-pieces and shooting abilities, both attributes Griffiths admired greatly.
“He was technically gifted. A set-piece specialist, renowned for his goals and his superb left foot. In my opinion, he is the greatest player that ever played for Cardiff. I’m proud to have known him.”
Peter Whittingham will be sorely missed by the football world and it seems clear that he was an inspiration to those who played with him.
Article by: George Hartley
Formatted by: Samuel Slaney
Thumbnail by: Samuel Slaney
Images interpreted from: Getty Images and Shutterstock