Soccer Chic

Photo courtesy of: maurobrock

It is well documented and widely known that Paolo Maldini was the heart and soul of AC Milan. But arch rivals Internazionale (Inter Milan) however, have always been known as a team full of Argentines then Italians.

That being said, some of the most iconic Argentines have graced the famous blue and black shirt with a great deal of pride including: Walter Samuel, Esteban Cambiasso and Diego Milito. But the most inspirational by far has got to be the current Inter captain: Javier Zanetti.

I was quite relived to hear that Inter did an honorable thing and extended Zanetti’s contract for another year. The defender would be turning the big 4-0 in August and despite still being out injured, it was a relief to see the team he has called home for the past 18 years honour him that way.

Photo courtesy of: Liana_Kyle

Although he was born in Argentina, I always expected to see Zanetti show up in Italy’s national team during World Cup’s and Euro’s. He just had that good looking Italian hunk look. Then again I had the same feeling with Ryan Giggs being English and playing for England only to find out a few months later he was actually from Wales.

Like many of you, I thought he would choose to retire after the horrific injury he suffered in April.

It is heartening to see he decided to make a recovery instead and try his best to return to action with the Inter Milan team he has led to 5 Serie A titles, 4 Coppa Italia’s and a Champions League trophy in 2010.

Photo courtesy of: Ronnie Macdonald

My dislike for certain clubs is quite known to many of you. Arsenal for example is a team I hated during their “Invincible” era.

A few years ago they were the Kings of England. Thierry Henry was the heart and soul of Wenger’s squad and was the only Arsenal player I have ever liked. Patrick Vieira and the others just seemed so arrogant and annoying.

Now that they are a shadow of the team they use to be and pose no threat to my beloved Manchester United (especially since it has been 8 long years since they have received any silverware!), I thought why not reminisce of the good old days at the Emirates Stadium and prior to that at Highbury.

The glory days may be over at Arsenal, but I have provided the link to one of favourite video’s with Arsenal’s all time leading goal scorer and one of my favourite strikers in the game. Enjoy.

Photo courtesy of: jikatu

When I first saw Luis Suarez play, it was for his national team Uruguay during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Along with his fellow countryman Diego Forlan, Suarez star shone bright throughout the campaign.

Even then Suarez could not escape controversy. After his infamous hand ball during the game against Ghana and the red card he picked up, it was quite clear that no matter how good a player is, when you lack maturity it affects your image.

When I witnessed Suarez latest controversial move, I was truly shocked. I honestly thought he could not pull another stupid move but I was clearly wrong. Taking a bite out of Chelsea’s Serbian player Branislav Ivanovic arm was just beyond disturbing.

I was not aware of Suarez’s first biting incident until a friend had mentioned it to me. During his playing days at Ajax, he bit PSV’S Otman Bakkal on the shoulder and was fined and suspended for 7 matches. I found it thoroughly appalling that he had not learned the first time around and had to repeat his immature behaviour.

The 10 match suspension Suarez received by the FA for biting Ivanovic was not the first time he was penalized in England.

Photo courtesy of: agmcat

After the whole racism incident hit England between John Terry and Anton Ferdinand, you would think players would avoid any racist behaviour. Yet Suarez did the exact opposite and was accused and later found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra and was given an eight-game suspension and a fine.

Instead of learning from his mistake he further increased his controversial and immature behaviour by avoiding shaking Evra’s hand when they faced one another.

As Liverpool’s second most expensive signing, Suarez has proven to be a good investment for his club. He has been the first Liverpool player to score 30 goals or more a season since Torres left and has been shortlisted for the Player of the Year award every year since his move to the club.

At the age of 26, Luis Suarez still has many playing years left in him. When you are playing for an iconic team like Liverpool, every move you make will be crucial to the club’s reputation.

He should be setting a good example for all the young kids who idolize him and do his part to stem violence and racism out of the game instead of encouraging it.

If Luis Suarez wants to exit the game and be known as the “Cannibal of Football”, then he should continue with his erratic behaviour.

But for a player as talented as him and with both Liverpool and Uruguay depending on him to brighten their future, he should put his controversial ways behind him and become a man who has learned from his mistakes on the field.

Photo courtesy of: gordonflood.com

When I woke up this morning and first read the email that stated the legendary Scotsman of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, was retiring at the end of this season, I honestly thought I was having a heart attack.

Since I am only in my twenties, I know I was really just in a state of shock. It almost felt like I was waiting to hear the bell ring and a moment of silence to follow right after.

As I have stated earlier when I first started writing my blog a few months ago, Sir Alex Ferguson has been the manager of my beloved team Manchester United even before I was born. I have never known the club without him and to be quite honest I do not want to. Looks like I have no choice now.

The news of the irreplaceable manager deciding to retire has hit me harder than I ever thought possible. Sure I knew the unfortunate day would come eventually, but the shock was always going to be there regardless.

Fergie was the best thing to come out of Scotland. Even better then my favourite whisky Black and White.

When you think of the 26 years that Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge of Manchester United, only one word comes to my mind and that is: success. One of my buddies even shared this interesting statistic to me while trying to cheer me up.

Photo courtesy of: minhquangle87

Managers since 1986:

Real Madrid – 24
Inter Milan – 19
Chelsea – 18
Bayern Munich – 14
Juventus – 14
Manchester City – 14
AC Milan – 13
Manchester United – Sir Alex Ferguson

Another interesting point: for the past 22 years, Manchester United have finished in either first, second or third place.

Under Fergie, Manchester United blossomed into England’s most successful team and all of Europe and the world were mesmerized by their dominance.

After finishing off the season with a record 20th EPL title, I would like to thank Sir Alex Ferguson for being at the club for a successful 26 years and providing all the Manchester United fans and the Man U haters with memories to last a lifetime.

Here is hoping he enjoys every minute of retirement and hopefully his presence and never give up attitude will still stay with the club for many years to come.

Farewell Fergie.