Greg Stanton, a football legend and former coach of the Netherlands national team and Barcelona, shared the news of his wife Bartima's passing, who lost her life at the age of 65 due to breast cancer. This news was not only a significant emotional blow for him but also for his family, which includes three children and four grandchildren.
41 Years of Marriage
Stanton and Bartima married in 1985 and experienced a deep and loving relationship throughout these years. Greg said, "With deep sorrow, but with pride and love, we say goodbye to my beautiful wife, our dear mother, and our grandmother." He also shared a black and white photo of himself and Bartima that showcased their love and closeness to each other.
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Fighting Illness
Bartima was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and after recovery, the disease returned to her in 2018. In 2023, while Greg Stanton was in his second coaching term with the Netherlands national team, he learned that Bartima had been diagnosed with breast cancer again. During this time, he identified metastases and Bartima received the necessary treatments.
In one of his last messages about Bartima, he referred to her as his main supporter and encourager, saying: "My wife Bartima supported and encouraged me every day despite her illness to finish my job as a national coach. This shows the incredible strength she has, and I will always be grateful for this."
Bartima, a Successful Entrepreneur
In addition to her important role as a wife and mother, Bartima was also active in entrepreneurship and had launched her own cosmetics and skincare brand. She achieved great success in this field through her hard work and determination and was always recognized as a strong and independent woman.
After the announcement of Bartima's passing, a wave of condolence messages and support flooded in from friends, family, and football fans on social media to Greg Stanton. Among them, legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar expressed his deep condolences and wished strength for the Stanton family, alongside other Dutch stars who played under his coaching.
Greg Stanton, who has coaching experience with Southampton and Everton in the Premier League, currently has no job after stepping down from the Netherlands national team following their elimination in the 2022 World Cup. During this time, he is mourning his wife and living in her memory.
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