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Plenty of action. That is how sculptor Loek Bos depicted the Hague footballer Aad Mansveld. Moreover, he places him like a hero on a high pedestal. Mansveld was the libero of football club ADO Den Haag. He was only 47 years old. As a tribute, the club wanted to erect a statue of this born-again Hagenees at the entrance to the new stadium in the Forepark.

It has become a typical Loek Bos. Well recognisable and accurate, he portrays people in their daily activities. Movement in the pose and true-to-nature details such as Mansveld's tight sports shirt and shorts are essential. "You could say that I am a public artist," says the sculptor in a video interview on the occasion of his 70th birthday. He is not out to shock, nor does he express social criticism in his sculptures. During the creative process, Bos' attention is focused on the end result. He has no lofty thoughts. What matters to him is the craftsmanship and the fun of making things.

Bos taught art history and handicrafts at the Rijnlands Lyceum in Sassenheim until 1990. After that, he devoted himself to sculpture. Ten years later, his big, national breakthrough followed with his portrait of Toon Hermans. A commission he received after the death of the cabaret artist from his hometown Sittard. Since then, he has received commissions from all over. Also from private individuals. In his own city of The Hague, several of his sculptures can be found in public spaces.

The statue of Mansveld was unveiled on 28 July 2007 on Heldenplein in The Hague during the opening of the new ADO Den Haag stadium. The sculptor made the raised finger at the request of the club. It should serve as a warning to the rest of Dutch football: ADO Den Haag is far from finished.