It has been a year since Eddy Merckx fell during a bike ride and in this 2025, which saw him celebrate his 80th birthday, there have been many difficult moments. Between ups and downs, the Cannibal is leaving behind a complicated year, and a few days before Christmas, a special guest arrived at the Merckx home: the Italian-Belgian singer-songwriter Salvatore Adamo, considered one of Eddy's closest friends.

Adamo took advantage of the release of his new album to visit his dear friend Eddy Merckx. A meeting between two giants, which began with a big embrace, covered by the Belgian newspaper DH and also broadcast on television. Adamo is considered the most famous Belgian singer in the world, but born in Comiso, Sicily in 1947, he never wanted to abandon his origins and only recently, when Belgian law allowed it, did he take dual nationality, without however leaving his Italian citizenship.

The cross-interview took place in Meise, at Eddy Merckx's home, who is slowly recovering from his sixth hip surgery, a fracture sustained a year ago in a bicycle accident. Following the fall, Merckx had to face numerous complications, including the implantation of a second temporary prosthesis, before the third, definitive one, was finally inserted at the end of August.

"I walk on the treadmill and use an exercise bike. I deeply wish to be able to pedal again one day and I am working hard to do so."

Salvatore Adamo listened to his friend's words with admiration and is convinced that Eddy will achieve his goal. "He is an extraordinary champion who thrilled all of Belgium, but also cycling enthusiasts worldwide" - said Salvatore, remembering his first encounter with Eddy -: "The first time I heard about Eddy Merckx was at a book presentation in Woluwe. I heard people shouting that Eddy had won. I wondered which Eddy they were talking about. It was him. He had just won the amateur world championship in Sallanches in 1964."

Several times during the interview, Eddy Merckx and Salvatore Adamo, sitting next to each other, held hands, demonstrating that sincere affection that has never changed over the years. Their friendship has always been authentic, as was their immense pleasure in seeing each other again. Adamo brought his guitar and wanted to sing for his friend Eddy, who softly repeated the verses of his songs. The Cannibal also talked about himself and what cycling was like in his era. "At the beginning of my career, I also faced rivals who looked down on me. I could hate an opponent and I did, but I always respected them. Today, however, everything has changed and everything is different, and I don't like making comparisons."

Salvatore Adamo was born in Sicily and came to Belgium because his father was a miner. Merckx wanted to remember his relationship with Italy and how his friend's homeland contributed to making him the greatest of all.

«I cannot forget that I obtained my first great victories in Italy. Whether it was the Milan-Sanremo, the Tour of Sardinia, or the Giro d'Italia, these successes made me very popular in Italy. At the beginning of my career, I didn't think I would become a great champion; I just wanted to make a living from cycling. Even when I won the amateur world title in 1964, I was still anxious because my two predecessors hadn't done anything after their respective titles. I never stopped questioning myself, and I think that helped me. When I obtained my first success, I considered it a miracle».

Salvatore Adamo also wanted to talk about Italy and that unbreakable bond that cannot be broken and still renews itself today.
«I acquired dual citizenship three years ago because it wasn't possible before. I am Belgian by culture and education, but when I'm in Italy, I feel a sense of belonging, a special attachment to my homeland, to my parents' land. I would say I am both. Then I became an UNICEF ambassador and this broadens your horizons. I was able to discover realities very different from the one I live here, such as Afghanistan and Kosovo, for example, I saw people walking barefoot in the rain and understood that in this world, we are not the least fortunate. I learned a lot from my father, who worked in the mine. When the hammer bell rang announcing a miner's death, everything would stop, and we would wonder who had been struck by the tragedy. This creates a humble but powerful relationship with life».

Merckx smiling remembers the first time he was called the Cannibal. It was a 12-year-old girl whose father raced with him and who reproached him for being a Cannibal and never leaving anything to others in the team, including her father. At the end of the year, Salvatore Adamo and Eddy Merckx will receive an award for what they have represented for Belgium. For them, it will be a great honor to receive this recognition, but today, while sitting on the couch, they want to remember their friendship that has lasted for over 50 years and has continued to grow.

«I am especially aware that people are proud of what we have achieved. At this moment, I am going through a difficult period, but I am very happy to see my children and grandchildren grow, and I am proud of this friendship, because Salvatore is the most famous Belgian in the world».

Adamo, with teary eyes, looked at his friend, remembering that he modified his famous song, "C'est ma vie", for Eddy's 80th birthday. He had never touched the text of one of his songs before, but Merckx is his special friend, and some things can be done with pleasure.

«I knew exactly which text I wanted to sing for Eddy. It was even easier because I have always admired him. I felt that "C'est ma vie" well reflected Eddy's life. So, it seemed easy to change a few words to adapt it to his personality».

Together they sang to conclude such a special day, and the Cannibal told how that song had moved him. «I was truly touched that day. Salvatore's text had deeply touched me, and I understood that the only thing I want today is to spend as much time as possible with my loved ones».

photo - still from youtube