I gave up football for new life as a hermit… I haven’t watched a game in 30 years
A FOOTBALL fan who gave up football for a new life as a hermit has not watched a game in 30 years.
Dario Escobar, 88, is a Colombian football fan but now lives in isolation in Lebanon following a call from God.
He committed to a life which sees him pray for 14 hours a day in 1990 and has not watched a football match in 33 years.
His daily routine also sees him work the land for three hours, study for two hours and sleep for five hours between 7pm and 12am.
Escobar is originally from Medellin, Colombia, but now lives in northern Lebanon.
He has described his new life as rewarding but admits he does miss football.
He explained to the Daily Star: "There's no connection to the outside world here, no phone, no radio, no television. I get to know the news because people tell me.
"I am a football lover, and I have missed all the World Cups while being here. I find out the results from what people tell me."
Escobar added: "Where I live, there are four rooms, a fireplace, and the basic necessities."
Prior to starting his new life, Escobar had lived in Miami, where he taught psychology.
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He also provided therapy for couples before growing tired of the job and receiving a divine message.
Three decades on he lives in an area full of monasteries and Christian buildings, many of which are over 1,000 years old.
Escobar only eats what he has grown himself and prays for the needs of humanity to be fulfilled.
He lives in isolation from society at his home is near the Convent of San Antonio.
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However, people who live in the area often visit him due to a belief in Lebanon that hermits know the future.
Faithful locals will come to his house and ask him to perform miracles.
"They tell me stories," explained Escobar. "Strange tales, miracles I haven't performed."