Real Football (Soccer to you Yanks) Thread

[Springsteen]

Alessandro Del Piero's open letter to the Juventus fans. Truly a class act.

"It ends here, my contract with Juventus expires today," the 37-year-old states in his letter, published in Corriere dello Sport.

“It’s not news, but knowing it is ‘official’ still has an effect on me. It is not a sad moment for me, there are no regrets or nostalgia. Not anymore.

"That’s because I’ve had time to think back over everything that happened in my lastBianconeri season, going further back and reliving the greatest dream I could’ve dreamed.

"All the memories, the joys, the triumphs and – to be honest – a few recent moments of bitterness... Today all these images flash in front of my eyes and at a certain point blur into one marvellous embrace of my final game in Turin.

“That is the photograph that encapsulates everything, the instant I want to bring with me always, the one that since May 13 has been printed on my heart. It cannot be cancelled.

“A while ago, before going on vacation, I emptied out my locker at Vinovo and walking out of the training ground I stopped where for many months you waited for me hoping for a photo, an autograph or just a hello... under the snow, the ice, the rain, the burning sun. But this time I am the one saluting and thanking you, just as you did with me.

“The players pass by, but Juventus remains. My team-mates remain, who I wish the best and will always cheer them on.

“Above all what remains is the fans, you who are Juventus. That jersey that I loved and will always love, that I desired and respected, without breaks or discounts.

"I am happy that others after me can wear the shirt and above all the ‘10’ that has always had my name on it since they started printing names on the Bianconeri jerseys.

“I am happy for whoever will wear it next year and happy that somewhere – in Italy and all over the world – someone is dreaming of wearing it.

“I would be proud of someone wanting to follow my path, just as I dreamed of doing so with other champions, other examples, other legends.

“From tomorrow I will no longer be a Juventus player, but I will always be one of you. Now a new adventure begins and I am as fired up as I was 19 summers ago.

“Arrivederci. Thanks for everything.

"Alessandro."

 

[Zorak]

Arrivederci, Alessandro. Arrivederci.

 

[TGLucario475]

A touching message to all the Juventino's all there, such a legend and one of those few who've been a one-club man for nearly 20 years. From the highest of highs, winning the Scudetto and playing in the Champions League Final, to the bitterist of lows, the bribing scandals of being relegated but unlike many of those who fled the team, he stayed there because he was, and still, a true blood Juventus player. I think Juventus should retire his Number 10 shirt, as a mark of respect for him, but he'd also want to see an up-coming center-forward playing in it.

 

[Springsteen]

Some number news from Man United this afternoon. Antonio Valencia's been given number 7 (which is hallowed ground), Nick Powell has been confirmed as number 25 and Kagawa's been given number 26. Richly deserved for Tony V, always been a very good player for us and had a top class season last season performance wise. He asked for it too which pleases me, taking responsibility.

 

[Zorak]

Can't wait for the season to start.

I fancy Liverpool to push on this year, if Rodgers' is allowed to do his thing.

 

[Springsteen]

That's a pretty big if. Liverpool's aim should be to try and get into the top 4 again, and buy a couple of players they need (not want, NEED).

Oh and don't blame any of the following for a defeat : Sky, Man United, refs, Sir Alex, Evra, Man United, Man City having £750 trillion to spend, The woodwork. It's all on you.

If all that's managed, it should be a nice peaceful season.

 

[skyblue]

That's a pretty big if. Liverpool's aim should be to try and get into the top 4 again, and buy a couple of players they need (not want, NEED).

Oh and don't blame any of the following for a defeat : Sky, Man United, refs, Sir Alex, Evra, Man United, Man City having £750 trillion to spend, The woodwork. It's all on you.

If all that's managed, it should be a nice peaceful season.

i think they even tried to pin one on us last season:jk

 

[CaptainTurtles]

Swans to sign Chico Flores?

 

[Tuffdisc]

Hey, I even predicted Coventry would get relegated, it was so sweet when they did :24:

 

[skyblue]

Hey, I even predicted Coventry would get relegated, it was so sweet when they did :24:

well....i'll still call them my team if they went down to the blue square,could you say that about a club 200 miles away that employed a manager you didn't like so disowned them?

 

[Tuffdisc]

well....i'll still call them my team if they went down to the blue square,could you say that about a club 200 miles away that employed a manager you didn't like so disowned them?

No I didn't disowned them, I meant I didn't support the manager, I didn't think he was right for the job, he was too much of a journey man for me. Rodgers is an unknown quantity compared to Hodgson. No disrespect to you who you support, but I can support anyone I like, its not up to you.

 

[porterjack]

well....i'll still call them my team if they went down to the blue square,could you say that about a club 200 miles away that employed a manager you didn't like so disowned them?

Much respect to real fans
No glory bandwagon jumpers in Cov

 

[Tuffdisc]

I do like the new Barcelona home top

 

[Tuffdisc]

Goal-line technology will come in very shortly, and about time too.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18732237

In some way I agree with Platini that it might bring in the "Playstation Football". In my opinion it should go undergo more tests

 

[Springsteen]

Ironically it's first being piloted in the club world championships in December, the same tournament which Chelsea are in, who have had their players involved in most of the goal-line controversies over the last couple of seasons (Chelsea-Spurs last April, England-Germany, England-Ukraine, Chelsea-Spurs in the semi final).

I do think it should only be brought in for just goal-line things, because if we start going too far (like having it for penalty decisions, offsides etc) then I think you're taking the game out of the hands of the referees.

 

[skyblue]

Much respect to real fans
No glory bandwagon jumpers in Cov

no glory here and we cant afford to run a bandwagon

 

[Tuffdisc]

Fabio Capello appointed manager of Russia

 

[Zorak]

Run out and put bets on Russia beating England in 2014. It's got to happen.

 

[Springsteen]

Beat Amazulu FC 1-0 in the first pre season game. It was a pleasing win where the main objective to gain fitness was accomplished. Macheda scored a good goal when Berbatov put a good ball through and he tucked it past the keeper. A few players looked bright and lively, including Lingard, Macheda, Brady, Petrucci etc. Hernandez looked a little rusty at times but the fitness will be regained before too long. Kagawa didn't really get enough time to show what he can do, but the game on Saturday should allow for a start, ditto Nick Powell.

 

[Zorak]

GBR are being thrashed by Brazil. 2-0 35 mins gone.

Micah Richards looks awful. Missing headers, giving away penalties, playing people onside.
The only reason he gets in the man city team is because they need some home grown squad players; no coincidence Zabaleta plays all the big games.