In a letter to the presidents and general secretaries of the 209 associations affiliated to the governing body of world football, "Le Roi" wrote that it "was a very personal, carefully considered decision, one in which I weighed up the future of football alongside my own future. I was also guided by the esteem, support and encouragement that many of you have shown me. In life there are moments when you have to take destiny into their own hands." Platini continued: "I am at one of those decisive moments, at a juncture in my life and in events that are shaping the future of FIFA." Mr Platini, UEFA president since 2007 and member of the FIFA Executive Committee since 2002, added: "During this last half-century or so, FIFA has only had two presidents. This extreme stability is something of a paradox in a world that has experienced radical upheavals and in a sport that has undergone considerable economic change.
  However, recent events force the supreme governing body of world football to turn over a new leaf and rethink its governance." The UEFA President added that in recent months he had defended his ideas and proposals "to give FIFA back the dignity and the position it deserves", reiterating his aspiration to unite world football by bringing the continental confederations together and offering all national associations a common cause: "listening to everyone and respecting the diversity of the game around the world". The former Juventus number 10 said he was standing as a candidate "with enthusiasm and conviction, but also with the humility of someone who knows that he cannot succeed on his own. I am counting on your support and our common love of football so that, together, we can give the tens of millions of football fans the FIFA that they want: a FIFA that is exemplary, united and shows solidarity, a FIFA that is respected, liked and of the people." Applications must be submitted by Oct. 26, 2015. Platini's candidacy could soon be joined by Maradona and Zico. The election of Blatter's successor will take place at the Extraordinary FIFA Congress in Zurich on Feb. 26, 2016. (AGI)