Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: JDB on October 29, 2007, 05:40:51 AM
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Former Dutch international Stam ends career - reports (http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7032592,00.html)
AMSTERDAM, Oct 29 (Reuters) -
Former Dutch international defender Jaap Stam has ended his playing career, Dutch media reported on Monday.
The 35-year-old played his last match for Ajax Amsterdam on Oct. 20 against NEC Nijmegen when he left the pitch injured.
Stam started his career in 1992 in the second division at Zwolle and earned his first big transfer four years later when he signed for PSV Eindhoven.
He joined Manchester United in 1998 and won the treble in his first season in England, before moving to Lazio in 2002 after he criticised United boss Alex Ferguson in his biography.
After three years in Rome Stam moved on to AC Milan and in 2006 he returned to the Netherlands to finish his career at Ajax, where he signed a two-year deal.
Stam won 67 caps and scored three goals for the Dutch team before ending his international career after the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal.
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Good bye to a boss defender...... :salute:
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I had real like Stam, de man game was rough but clean.
Not a bad career.
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goodbye to a big, big, big, big defender!!
nothing used to go past him...
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I always liked his warrior approach to the game. Played tough!
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Anyone know what injury he has?
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Did real admire how dis man used to clean up, no nonsense attitude, de way a defender should be
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Like every player, Jaap Stam eventually had to confront that telling question: what next? “A lot of players when they stop playing football, and I was one of them, think ‘I don’t want to go into coaching’,” the former Netherlands central defender told FIFA.com.
However, the towering ex-Manchester United and Lazio man soon realised, after getting a taste of directing the training sessions that he was more suited to coaching than he first thought, with him now taking up his first managerial role with Jong Ajax – the Dutch giants’ youth team.
“At the end, when you stop playing football, people ask you to help them out on the pitch,” said Stam. “When you get out there it gives you a good feeling and when you see the players doing well it gives you a sense of satisfaction too.”
http://thenationonlineng.net/new/jaap-stam-i-didnt-want-to-be-a-coach/
A few days ago the Dutch FA indicated they would make special accommodation for Stam due to his discomfort with going to coaching course classes. It's been described as "classroom anxiety".
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Like every player, Jaap Stam eventually had to confront that telling question: what next? “A lot of players when they stop playing football, and I was one of them, think ‘I don’t want to go into coaching’,” the former Netherlands central defender told FIFA.com.
However, the towering ex-Manchester United and Lazio man soon realised, after getting a taste of directing the training sessions that he was more suited to coaching than he first thought, with him now taking up his first managerial role with Jong Ajax – the Dutch giants’ youth team.
“At the end, when you stop playing football, people ask you to help them out on the pitch,” said Stam. “When you get out there it gives you a good feeling and when you see the players doing well it gives you a sense of satisfaction too.”
http://thenationonlineng.net/new/jaap-stam-i-didnt-want-to-be-a-coach/
A few days ago the Dutch FA indicated they would make special accommodation for Stam due to his discomfort with going to coaching course classes. It's been described as "classroom anxiety".
So forumites, should Yaap get special treatment because of "classroom anxieties"?
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Very strange. So does he get anxious on the touchline too?
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Forlan case casts interesting light over old rivals
Diego Forlan has retired from international football – though it is probably fair to say that he was given a gentle push. Forlan had not represented Uruguay since last year's World Cup. Earlier this year he talked about his desire to play one last Copa America.
Maybe he felt that, with Luis Suarez still serving his suspension, an experienced striker might come in handy in Chile this June. But earlier this week coach Oscar Washington Tabarez announced his squad for the warm up match against Morocco at the end of the month, and Forlan's name was not included. The hint was taken, and Forlan has called time on an international career that makes him the most capped Uruguayan in history.
Currently with Cerezo Osaka in Japan, Forlan has played for plenty of big clubs and done some impressive things – he was, for example, top scorer of the Spanish league with both Villareal and Atletico Madrid. But he will almost certainly be remembered for his deeds in the sky blue shirt – which, one imagines, is what he would wish for.
Diego Forlan was born into a Uruguay shirt. His grandfather, Juan Carlos Corazo, had a top class playing career in Argentina and won the Copa America as Uruguay coach in 1959 and 67. His father Pablo took part in the latter campaign and also played in two World Cups.
The success of Pablo Forlan as player and coach meant that young Diego grew up in comfortable middle class surroundings. Football was by no means his only option – he could, for example, have tried to make it as a tennis professional. But football is serious business in Uruguay. Elsewhere in the world the sons of high profile players normally lack that vital bit of hunger that transforms promise in reality. But Uruguayan football is full of such dynasties. And there was never any lack of hunger from Forlan when he pulled on the sky blue shirt.
He will be remembered as one of the stalwarts of the side which put Uruguay back on the map after Tabarez took over in 2006. His crowning achievement, of course, was to be chosen as the best player of the 2010 World Cup, when Uruguay reached the semi finals for the first time since 1970. Another undoubted high was the record 15th Copa America win in 2011, made all the sweeter by the fact that it happened in Argentina. Going home with the silverware was especially sweet for Forlan, given his family connection with the competition.
Diego Forlan, then, has played a key role in getting Uruguayan kids to wear the shirt of their national team with pride. But his international career did not start with the Tabarez era of 2006 – as Socceroos fans may be able to recall.
He did not feature in the first of those two epic play-off battles between Uruguay and Australia. At the end of 2001 he had yet to make his international debut, amid fears that his finishing was not sufficiently precise. Once Uruguay had qualified for the 2002 World Cup he was eased into the squad and went on to score a goal in the tournament.
By the end of 2005 it was a very different story. Uruguay scraped its way into the play-off after an uneven campaign – but one in which Forlan was its top goalscorer. His versatility – two footed, mobile, able to set up the play as well as score – meant that he was operating behind a physically strong dual centre forward strike force of Marcelo Zalayeta and Richard Morales. But come this second meeting with Australia there was a problem – Forlan was struggling for fitness. What would coach Jorge Fossati do about it?
In hindsight it is clear that Fossati took the wrong option. He chose to risk Forlan in the first leg in Montevideo – the player lasted just 18 minutes before he had to be substituted, and he could play no part in the return match in Sydney. Had its sharpest attacking weapon been fit, then in Montevideo Uruguay may well have been able to turn its second half domination into goals. But he was not fit. Given a few more days to recover, he might have been able to snatch a vital away goal in the second leg. That, though, was no longer an option, and, of course, it was Australia which came through on penalties.
In the long term that defeat has only proved positive for Uruguay. Had it made it through to Germany it may well have been happy to keep muddling on. Instead, failure to qualify opened the door for Tabarez and his bold project, where Uruguay's youth sides have been used to identify players capable of shining on the global stage.
It is the success of this work – where the players are groomed and given a crash course in the identity of the Uruguayan national team – which now renders Diego Forlan surplus to requirements. He has been overtaken as Uruguay's top scorer by Luis Suarez, who, along with Edinson Cavani, is a product of the 2007 Under-20 team.
Abel Hernandez has subsequently come through the ranks, along with more recent graduates such as Diego Rolan and playmaker Giorgian De Arrascaeta, and there are huge hopes of the star of this year's Under-20 side, the lanky left footed Gaston Pereiro.
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/blog/2015/03/15/forlan-case-casts-interesting-light-over-old-rivals
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In his own words: Forlan on the decision to retire
"Con gran pesar por mi parte he decidido retirarme de la selección. He jugado 112 veces para Uruguay y vivido algunos de los momentos más emocionantes de mi vida defendiendo la camiseta de mi país. Con 36 goles fui máximo goleador de la selección superando el récord establecido por Héctor Scarone hasta que apareció un muchacho llamado Luis Suárez que no ha parado de marcar.
Sabía que este día llegaría y tomé la decisión hace un par de semanas después de hablar con mi padre, que también jugó para Uruguay, al igual que mi abuelo. Tras nuestra charla comprendí que éste era un buen momento para dejar la selección.
Como futbolista es difícil saber cuándo decir adiós porque siempre pensás que podés dar un poco más pero la posibilidad de que este año jugara la Copa América o la clasificación para el Mundial 2018 era cada vez más improbable. Tengo 35 años; he vivido momentos inolvidables con la selección uruguaya pero creo que ha llegado el momento de dar a los jugadores más jóvenes las mismas oportunidades que tuve yo.
Se ha producido un cambio generacional y se han aprovechado partidos amistosos para probar a los nuevos jugadores. Les va a ir bien.
Al primero que llamé el domingo pasado para comunicarle mi decisión fue al legendario entrenador de la selección uruguaya Óscar Tabarez. Entendió mis razones y coincidió en que era mejor ser recordado por lo había conseguido estando en mi mejor momento. También me dijo que se necesita mucho valor para decir adiós. Luego llamé a los demás entrenadores de la selección con los que siempre he mantenido una estrecha relación y cuyo apoyo ha sido muy importante en mi carrera. Hemos pasado por mucho juntos y creo que merecen saberlo antes de que aparezca publicado en la prensa. También mandé un mensaje a mis compañeros de equipo a través del grupo WhatsApp que tenemos. ¡Puede que ya me hayan expulsado del grupo!
Son tantos los recuerdos… empezando por cantar el himno nacional de Uruguay antes de mi debut en un amistoso contra Arabia Saudí hace 13 años. Ese día me sentía el hombre más orgulloso y satisfecho sobre la faz de la tierra, había cumplido mi sueño y jugaba con el grandioso equipo de Uruguay, al que solo había visto por la tele. Ese día marqué.
Unos meses más tarde participé por primera vez en la fase final de la Copa del Mundo y marqué uno de mis goles favoritos, un tanto de volea contra Senegal a los pocos minutos de entrar en el terreno de juego en mi debut competitivo.
2010 y 2011 fueron mis mejores años, y lo vivido en el Mundial 2010 fue una experiencia inolvidable. Nuestra modesta selección llegó a las semifinales, me proclamé uno de los máximos goleadores del torneo y mi tanto contra Alemania fue votado como el mejor gol del campeonato. Y por si ello fuera poco fui nombrado mejor jugador del Mundial. El largo vuelo de vuelta a Montevideo estuvo colmado de felicidad. Cientos de miles de personas nos esperaban en la capital para celebrar una gran fiesta. No pude mostrar mis trofeos porque no llegaron hasta seis meses más tarde.
Al año siguiente nos proclamamos campeones al ganar la Copa América, un logro increíble para un país con poco más de 3 millones de habitantes. Brasil tiene 200 millones. Convertirme en la única persona de tres generaciones de la misma familia en ganar la Copa América fue un acontecimiento apoteósico.
Vencimos a Argentina, nuestro gran rival, en los cuartos de final a pesar de contar con un jugador menos durante la mayor parte el encuentro. Les ganamos en la tanda de penales por 5-4 después de que Carlos Tévez fallara para Argentina. Marqué dos veces en la final que ganamos contra Paraguay, que había dejado a Brasil fuera de la competición, con un resultado de 3-0. Impresionante.
Mi gran decepción fue quedar fuera de la fase final de la Copa del Mundo en 2006 al ser derrotados por Australia. Yo recién salía de una lesión y tras 12 minutos del primer partido por la eliminatoria me cometieron falta y tuve que abandonar el terreno de juego. No pude ir a Australia para disputar el segundo partido por la eliminatoria pero vi el partido de la selección en casa; fue horrible. Sin embargo, cuatro años después volvimos para jugar el inolvidable torneo en Sudáfrica. Entonces ya sabíamos que contábamos con un buen equipo y que no íbamos solo de paseo, sabíamos que podíamos competir con los mejores equipos.
La selección nacional ha sido una parte importante de mi vida durante mucho tiempo y voy a echarla de menos, especialmente cuando empiece la Copa América y yo no esté allí. En estos momentos me siento inmerso en un profundo duelo pero he tenido tiempo de prepararme para esta situación. No fue una decisión de la noche a la mañana. En el Mundial de Brasil me di cuenta de que las cosas estaban tomando un nuevo aire con la llegada de savia nueva. El fútbol no espera a nadie.
Me encanta ver jugar a la selección uruguaya por la tele y todavía juego en una liga profesional. Adoro este juego. Me mantengo en buena forma y acabo de empezar una nueva temporada con el Cerezo Osaka de Japón.
Por último, quisiera dar las gracias a las personas que me ayudaron a conseguir una carrera internacional de éxito –a los aficionados, a mi familia, a los entrenadores y a todos aquellos jugadores con los que tuve la suerte de compartir momentos de juego. Los sueños pueden hacerse realidad".´
http://www.ovaciondigital.com.uy/futbol/columna-forlan-retiro-seleccion.html
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On Forlan's shopping experience in South Africa ...
El prestigio que fue ganando cuando en 2001 desembarcó en Manchester United, le brindó otro lugar en la sociedad y le quitó las licencias que le permitían recorrer el mundo como un semidesconocido.
Los éxitos posteriores en España, en Villarreal y Atlético de Madrid, le llevaron a aprender a convivir con la fama. Empezó a tener entorno de estrella, aunque siempre prefirió el perfil bajo. Evitaba salir a lugares en los que confluían las masas, y encontró, según le confesó al periodista en 2011, estrategias para no dejar de hacer, en un porcentaje menor, actividades como cualquier otro. Cuando quería ir al cine, elegía un día entre semana y el horario de menor concurrencia.
Así fue descubriendo que podía brillar en el fútbol, girar en una órbita diferente al de los mortales pero recorrer los mismos lugares que el resto, con restricciones. Era una aventura, que asumía con naturalidad, porque reconocía como parte del lugar en el que le había dejado en el fútbol.
En ese recorrido por la fama, el Mundial de 2010 marcó un punto de inflexión en todos los aspectos. El 24 de junio, tras la clasificación a octavos y dos días antes del partido con Corea del Sur, Forlán llegó junto a otros 18 compañeros (cuatro jugadores se quedaron en el hotel), el cuerpo técnico, los quinesiólogos, el médico y los funcionarios administrativos, al Shopping Diamont Pavillion de Kimberley, la ciudad de poco más de 200.000 habitantes que quedaba en el medio de Sudáfrica, lejos del ruido mundialista y que Tabárez había elegido para encontrar paz. Ese entorno le permitió a Forlán subirse a la aventura de visitar un Shopping. El óminbus llegó a las 11.30 al estacionamiento; 45 minutos después, debían estar de regreso..
Forlán, que andaba acompañado por el "Ruso" Pérez y Eguren, se sentía acosado por tantas miradas. Nada diferente a lo que era el resto de sus días, aunque estaba en medio de una ciudad ajena a la fiebre del fútbol y sin hinchas.
El periodista, que había recibido la información de que irían de recorrida, encontró a Forlán en una disquería, buscando un refugio, porque los hinchas lo estaban atosigando. Miraba un disco y relojeaba el entorno. "Si sabía que era así, no venía", dijo al periodista con esa timidez que lo caracteriza y la inquietud que le promovía el momento. Dio una vuelta dentro del local al tiempo que se achicaba para que no lo vieran a través de los vidrios. Miró otra vez al periodista, y le dijo: "Me voy... ¡Ya está, me voy!". Recién era 11.40. Sin dudar en su acción, como si estuviera acostumbrado, acompañado por el ataché de la delegación, un par de policías, personal de la brigada de explosivos, que acompañaban al grupo, y una decena que se fue transformando en multitud que lo perseguía a los gritos mientras casi que corría por los pasillos, se perdió. Subió al óminbus y esperó la hora para regresar al hotel.
El resto del grupo disfrutó de una mañana diferente y volvió, como estaba previsto, a las 12.15.
Cuando el 11 de julio en Port Elizabeth la selección tuvo libre, el día previo al regreso a Montevideo, Forlán fue el único que no salió en todo el día del hotel. Definitivamente había reafirmado el lugar que le tocaría recorrer a partir de ese momento.
http://www.ovaciondigital.com.uy/futbol/diego-forlan-huida-shopping.html
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On Forlan's professionalism ...
A diferencia de lo que vi después en el proceso de Tabárez, en esa época estaba siempre solo. Eso sí, estaba permanentemente con la última tecnología en celulares, bien informado y conocía a jugadores de todo el mundo. Fue siempre un placer compartir con él.
Es el símbolo del jugador profesional, gracias al entrenamiento, a su dieta, eso que tanta importancia adquirió en la preparación de los jugadores.
Fue el primer jugador al que vi comer sushi. Cuando iba al gimnasio, él estaba trabajando; terminaba la práctica y se quedaba pegando tiros libres; en los aviones siempre lo veías con un libro en la mano. Además tiene un nivel de autocrítica increíble: la lectura que hacía de ellos era 10 puntos.
Estaba muy informado sobre los rivales, sabía como jugaban. El mejor recuerdo que tengo con Diego fue cuando estaba en la final del Mundial de Sudáfrica, y lo llame para darle una de las mejores noticias: que la FIFA lo había nombrado Mejor jugador del Mundial.
http://www.ovaciondigital.com.uy/futbol/diego-forlan-sebastian-bauza.html
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Cuauhtémoc Blanco
5 December 1992 - April 21, 2015
The 42 year old Blanco retired yesterday following participating in Puebla's 4-2 victory over Chivas to win the Copa Mx. He retires as one of two Mexican players to have scored at three different World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2010). Put into context, it should be noted that he was excluded from the 2006 WC squad due to personal difference with Ricardo Lavolpe.
In his exclusion from a WC squad he reminds me of Romario. In his personal disposition, reception from the fans and his ability to be controversial, he reminds me of Riquelme. In his retirement, he reminds us of the the road explored by several former retiring players: politics. He is standing as a mayoral candidate in a municipality of fair importance.
More to follow.
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Yes he is a mercurial player. Funny thing, his goal celebration was similar to Usain Bolt celebration after winning a race. Temoc is the first person I see with that. No disrespect to Usain. Whatever endeavor he pursue after retiring, I wish him well. The poor man in Mexico could do with a "honest" man on their side.
Pix and video of his goals and celebration.
https://www.google.com/search?q=cuauhtemoc+blanco+goal+celebration
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Dwayne De Rosario
1997 - 2015
Before stepping out of his car and into a Scarborough grocery store, Dwayne De Rosario paused to call a reporter. The ensuing conversation included a few quick timeouts to quiet down his kids, who were in the car with him and restless to get moving.
Less than a day earlier De Rosario, Scarborough native and six-time MLS first-team all-star, used his Instagram account to announce his retirement from pro soccer, and in this conversation he cited factors driving his decision.
Like the nagging injuries that come with age, and a hunger for the game that diminished along with his playing time last season, when he recorded just 506 minutes and a single goal for Toronto FC. Both totals were career lows.
But mostly, De Rosario said, he retired because after spending the winter as a free agent and missing training camp for the first time since his adolescence, he’d grown to cherish moments like the one interrupted by this phone interview — a simple midday trip to run an errand with his kids in tow.
After half a lifetime in pro soccer, De Rosario said this off-season showed him it was okay to walk away if retiring meant spending more time with his wife Brandy and their three children.
“Life goes on at the De Rosario household,” he said. “Twenty years of my life were spent playing pro. It might be time to start focusing on being at (my kids’) games.”
De Rosario retires as the sixth-leading goal scorer in MLS history, with 104 goals in 343 regular-season matches.
He started his MLS career in 2001 with the San Jose Earthquakes, where he played a key role in two MLS Cup-winning squads. From there he moved to the Houston Dynamo, where he won league titles in 2006 and 2007.
But from the time Toronto FC entered MLS, speculation percolated that De Rosario, who first turned pro with the Toronto Lynx in 1997, would join the Reds. He finally joined the team in 2009, starting a 2 ½-season stretch that saw him score a franchise-record 28 goals.
“When you need a player to make a play, Dwayne made a play,” said TFC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “He’s a competitor and he never wanted to lose.”
He played just two games with TFC in 2011, traded to New York after a bitter dispute over pay that had simmered since the previous summer, and finished the season with D.C. United. But he scored at every stop, totaling an MLS-leading 16 goals and winning league MVP.
Two seasons later De Rosario returned to TFC, lured back by MLSE boss Tim Leiweke and his promises to build a winner.
But by then De Rosario’s play had already started to decline. After scoring 16 goals in 2011 he netted just 10 over his final three seasons. And while he enjoyed the player/mentor role he adopted in his second stint in Toronto, De Rosario said that by the end of last season, a big part of him had already moved on.
“If I don’t love what I do as much as I did before, there’s no point,” he said. “But playing in my hometown is a dream come true.”
Both the Dynamo and Vancouver Whitecaps congratulated De Rosario on his career over Twitter. Montreal Impact captain Patrice Bernier also reached out over Twitter by calling De Rosario a “Canadian legend and great ambassador of the game.”
Though he’s retired from MLS, De Rosario says he may continue playing with Canada’s national team and is considering suiting up for a World Cup qualifier against Dominica in Toronto June 8. He remains the national team’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.
De Rosario says his immediate future includes working with his charitable foundation, establishing a soccer house league in June and an academy for elite players later this year. All three of those initiatives will work to mentor children in Toronto Community Housing, he said.
“We’re trying to find the next De Ro in those environments.”
Source: The Star
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Brad Friedel
1994 - 2015
Having originally arrived in England more than 17 years ago, Brad is returning home to America to become an analyst, pundit and co-commentator for US channel Fox Sports and will also be our Club Ambassador in the United States.
His Club role will include supporting our Global Coaching programme and engaging with our Super Clubs in Tallahassee and East Bay and 40 Supporters Clubs across North America.
"I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in my career," said Brad. "When I first started the journey I never imagined it would be this long, playing 23 seasons in total and representing some incredible clubs.
"One thing I will miss is that day-to-day interaction with the staff and players. There really is nothing like it but my 44th birthday is here so I think it is a good time to call it a day. I’ve got some wonderful opportunities in front of me working for Fox TV and I’m completing my pro licence.
"I’ve also signed on as a Club Ambassador for Spurs focusing on the USA. I’ve got a great relationship with the staff and Board, so I’ll certainly do my bit to help the club go further.
"I’ve had a tremendous time here and met a lot of great people along the way. This is a wonderful football club and I feel honoured to have been a part of it for four years.
"The manager is great, while there is incredible talent in the changing room, both young and old and with time I see great things ahead."
Holder of the record for consecutive starts in the Premier League - an incredible 310 - Brad joined us from Aston Villa in the summer of 2011.
Brad was ever-present in the Premier League in his first season here - 2011-12. His incredible run of Premier League starts reached the 300 mark at QPR in April, 2012, and he was presented with a special Barclays Merit Award in recognition.
He took his tally to 304 matches by the end of the season, when he achieved another record - becoming the club's oldest player at 40 years, 350 days, passing the mark set by Jimmy Cantrell that had stood for 89 years.
He eventually reached 310 before Hugo Lloris took over the gloves against Aston Villa in October, 2012. Brad went on to play 20 times in all competitions in 2012-13, including 11 in the Premier League and seven in the Europa League.
In 2013-14, Brad's appearance against Newcastle in the Premier League in November was his 50th for us as he played nine times in all competitions.
His last appearance for us came on the huge stage of Benfica's Estadia da Luz in the Round of 16 of the Europa League in March last year, taking his total to 67 appearances for us in all competitions.
Capped 82 times by the USA, including three World Cup Finals, Brad began his Premier League career at Liverpool in 1997 before joining Blackburn in 2000. He won the League Cup (against us!) in his time at Ewood Park and made 356 appearances for Rovers, scoring once at Charlton Athletic in February, 2004, before joining Aston Villa in the summer of 2008.
SOURCE (with accompanying video interview): http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/brad-calls-time-on-illustrious-playing-career-140515/
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William Gallas
August 1995 - October 16, 2014
William Gallas was a great player who let his defending do the talking
(The Guardian)
I first came across William Gallas in the summer of 2001. He had just signed for Chelsea for a shade over £6m, and was in the group making his way across a training pitch in Udinese, where he and his new team-mates were fine-tuning for the campaign ahead at a pre-season friendly.
Catching some brief small talk the first impression of the man was that he was, if not exactly aloof, certainly cautious about how he interacted with others. What kind of a guy did he seem to be? It was really difficult to pin down. Throughout his career he was an awkward communicator, and it was a surprise some years later, in 2007, to hear that he had agreed to a rare interview. By then he had joined Arsenal after five years of understated excellence, and two Premier League title medals, in Chelsea’s defence.
A longer conversation left me little the wiser than that first impression. It seemed almost appropriate that he has this oddly gravelly tone to his voice which makes it hard to attune to exactly what he is saying anyway. This intense man seemed a little paradoxical – simultaneously introspective as a person yet not shy to give forthright views. He had a reputation in France for being close-to-the-bone truthful, a manner that was not to everyone’s tastes. The idea that he didn’t fit in with the stereotypical footballer’s dressing room came across as he admitted in that interview that the football life is not one conducive to having a lot of close companions. “I don’t really have friends,” he said.
Gallas retired last week. He called time on his career after a short and underwhelming spell at Perth Glory in the A-League. José Mourinho reflected kindly about him. “Fantastic player,” he said. “He’s the kind of player that when you have him in your squad, instead of having 22, you have 24 or 25. He plays right-back, left-back, central defender on the right and on the left. I don’t remember a William mistake, I just remember his untouchable performances.”
At his other clubs he is not remembered in quite such straightforward terms. And this gets to the crux of this man who was great at football but not so great at the stuff that goes with it. The key is to distinguish between Gallas the footballer and Gallas the leader. His legacy in that regard is completely split.
Ah, Gallas the leader. There’s a complicated subject. It was quite a shock wheun he was given the Arsenal captaincy ahead of Gilberto Silva, whose longevity, authority and popularity made him the obvious choice. The Brazilian only discovered the news when he saw it on the club’s website, and was understandably upset. The armband was Gallas’s, but not for long. The situation appeared to become untenable during a critical match at the sharp end. A young team were heading the table going into a game at Birmingham in 2008 when all of sudden everything was wrecked.
Arsenal’s striker, Eduardo, had his leg shattered in a terrible injury, and with the players in an emotional state about their team-mate and having dragged themselves from a goal down to lead, Birmingham were awarded a late penalty. Gallas, the captain, lost it. He stomped into the Birmingham half in protest. He abdicated his duties not only as a leader, but also just as a defender, with a chance of clearing the ball if the kick was missed. At the end of the match he had to be restrained. Arsenal never recovered from this turbulent game and slipped down the league.
Arsène Wenger, controversially, decided to keep Gallas as captain, but the issue bubbled up again the following November, when he spoke publicly about tensions in the squad. He muttered about “insults” and “problems”. While he was not well-loved by some of his team-mates, that betrayal of dressing room confidences prompted the removal of the captaincy. He played on for another season and a half before swapping London clubs once again to become the first person to play for Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham.
On the subject of the captaincy, there is a wider question as to whether appointing someone as a leader who does not have the personality to lend itself to being a spokesperson, an example and a motivator can actually be detrimental to that player. Gallas was at his best at Chelsea, or playing for France (he won 84 caps), when his main responsibility was to get on with his own game quietly, which he did with excellent assurance.
Perhaps his playing prowess is not valued as much as it should be as it is so difficult to separate the technical side from the rest. There was that weird episode when Chelsea made an alarming attack on his integrity by suggesting he had threatened to score an own goal if he was not allowed to leave.
At the time Gallas said nothing. It was an obvious issue to broach at that 2007 interview. Was it not difficult to keep a dignified silence when it must have been tempting to lash back? “It was not difficult because they know the truth and I know the truth,” he said, with a calm, difficult-to-read, enigmatic smile. “Life is very strange, but there you go.”
Harry Redknapp called it a “no-brainer” when he signed Gallas on a free transfer in 2010 for one season. He actually captained Tottenham for the first time in a 3-2 win at the Emirates against his old club Arsenal, and played well enough to earn another couple of years at White Hart Lane.
Then came Australia. He was Perth Glory’s marquee player, but even that was a subject for debate as the club’s owner reckoned that although he was helpful in mentoring young players, he was less helpful as an attraction to put bums on seats. “You need a creative or attacking player for that marquee [contract],” noted owner Tony Sage.
Gallas said he wanted to play until he was 40. But he retired at 37 after one season, and 15 appearances, in Perth. A tragi-comic fresh air kick during a match against Western Sydney (who nipped in to score and seal a win) became his most famous contribution.
It is curious how the career of this largely consistent player is marked by eventful moments. It was Gallas who scored the goal against Ireland in the World Cup play-off which is remembered always for the Thierry Henry handball. These two team-mates, born on the same day in the Paris suburbs to Guadeloupe-born parents, both attended the Clairefontaine academy together. Their careers were intertwined, yet they were at opposite poles in terms of how they conducted themselves in the circus of football.
Henry was an easy talker, an excellent communicator, a showman on the pitch, had a huge media presence, forever talking about the team. Gallas kept a quiet distance, punctuated by sudden, unwieldy moments.
“We are not machines,” he once said. Perhaps he will be happier away from it all.
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De Rosario was a special player, surprised he never got the opportunity to play in Europe.
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Rio Ferdinand
5 May, 1996 - 30 May, 2015
Statement
"After 18 years as a professional footballer, I now feel it's the right time for me to retire from the game that I love.
“As a 12-year-old boy, kicking around a football on the Friary Estate in Peckham, I never dreamt that I would play for my boyhood club West Ham, captain Leeds United, win the Champions League with Manchester United, or re-join my first manager Harry Redknapp at Queens Park Rangers.
“I will always regard the 81 times that I played for England, with immense pride. These are all treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
“Starting a career, every young man needs mentors. I found mine in Dave Goodwin, the district manager at Blackheath, and Tony Carr, the youth team manager at West Ham. They installed in me personality traits that lasted throughout my career. I will always be grateful to them.
“I'd like to thank Chris Ramsey, Harry Redknapp, David O'Leary and David Moyes who managed me at various times in my career, all the backroom staff who looked after me over the years, and the players that I played with. I would also like to thank the team who managed me off the pitch, Jamie Moralee and everybody at New Era.
“Winning trophies over my 13 years at Manchester United allowed me to achieve everything that I desired in football. From a young child to today, that was all I cared about.
“None of that would have been possible, without the genius of one man, Sir Alex Ferguson. His greatest accomplishment in my eyes will always be how he developed us as men, not just as footballers. He will in my opinion, always be the greatest manager in British football history.
“I'd also like to thank and pay tribute to my wife Rebecca and my family, including my mother and father, for their sacrifices, their encouragement and their advice throughout my career.
“And finally, I'd like to thank all the fans from all the clubs - for without them professional football would not exist. I will miss each and every one of you on my Saturday afternoons.”
Ex-England, Man United defender Rio Ferdinand retires after 20-year pro career
Steve Douglas (The Associated Press)
Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand announced his retirement on Saturday, ending a 20-year professional career in which the ball-playing centre back established himself as one of the top English players of his generation.
“This season, I really found out that it was time to hang the boots up and get back in the house and watch other people play the game,” the 36-year-old Ferdinand said in announcing his decision on British broadcaster BT Sport.
Ferdinand was absent for the closing stages of his final season in football, with Queens Park Rangers, after his wife died on May 1 following a battle with cancer.
A tall, elegant defender with deceptive pace and a great reading of the game, Ferdinand became the most expensive English player when he joined United from Leeds for 29.1 million pounds in 2002. He started his professional career at West Ham in 1995.
Ferdinand made 454 appearances for United, where he won six Premier League titles, two League Cups, one Champions League and a Club World Cup. He forged one of Premier League’s great centre-back partnerships with Nemanja Vidic during his 12 years at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand broke the mould for English centre backs with his touch, athleticism and ability to play the ball out from the back.
“He was a great player, without a doubt the best centre half I ever played with,” former United teammate Paul Scholes said Saturday. “I would say for a time as well, he was the best centre half in the world. He was such a pleasure to play with and play in front of. To play in front of him, he made your job so easy.”
Ferdinand was released by United last summer and signed for QPR, where he struggled to hold down a regular place in a team that ended up getting relegated from the Premier League.
Ferdinand had injury problems in the latter years of his career — particularly with his back — and had to follow a strict training regime to keep on playing.
The low point of his career at United came in 2003 when he was banned for eight months after being found guilty of missing a drugs test.
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Cuauhtémoc Blanco
5 December 1992 - April 21, 2015
The 42 year old Blanco retired yesterday following participating in Puebla's 4-2 victory over Chivas to win the Copa Mx. He retires as one of two Mexican players to have scored at three different World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2010). Put into context, it should be noted that he was excluded from the 2006 WC squad due to personal difference with Ricardo Lavolpe.
In his exclusion from a WC squad he reminds me of Romario. In his personal disposition, reception from the fans and his ability to be controversial, he reminds me of Riquelme. In his retirement, he reminds us of the road explored by several former retiring players: politics. He is standing as a mayoral candidate in a municipality of fair importance.
More to follow.
Cuau obtained 39,861 votes (28.4%) standing as a candidate of the Social Democrats to be mayor (presidente municipal propietario or alcalde) of Cuernavaca. The PRI's candidate's vote total of 31,455 constituted Blanco's closest challenge. The PRI has launched a challenge to the electoral authority's confirmation of Blanco in the position, based on electoral irregularities. However, it appears that the extent of the irregularities, even if sustained as valid, would not have impacted the outcome as it stands.
The election occurred on June 6, and the formal confirmation was announced on Sunday, June 21.
(http://images.spanish.latinospost.com/data/images/full/22981/cuauht-moc-blanco-candidato-alcalde-cuernavaca-morelos.jpg?w=600)
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Press conference held a few hours ago.
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River Plate's Aimar announces retirement
FourFourTwo.com
River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo revealed Pablo Aimar was "suffering" before he retired on Tuesday. Former Argentina international Pablo Aimar has retired after failing to earn a spot in River Plate's squad for the semi-final stage of the Copa Libertadores. Aimar, who only made his playing return to boyhood club River Plate in May, managed two appearances with the Buenos Aires-based club in his second stint due to injuries, before calling time on his career on Tuesday.
After being told by coach Marcelo Gallardo that he would not be included in the extended squad to be used in the semi-finals and - potentially - final of the Copa Libertadores, Aimar decided to hang up his boots.
"Yesterday they advised me that I will not be on the list of the Copa [Libertadores], and I understand," the 35-year-old wrote in a letter to his team-mates. "I do not want to occupy a place that probably is for other guys. So I decided stop playing professionally."
Without Aimar, River defeated Guarani 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie, and speaking after the match, Gallardo explained how tough the recent pre-season has been on the veteran midfielder. "He told me he was suffering, but he was trying to hide it behind desire and enthusiasm," the coach said.
Aimar ends his career with 83 league appearances for River across two stints - the first coming from 1996-2000.
The 52-time Argentina representative made his name in Europe with Valencia, winning two La Liga crowns and the 2004 UEFA Cup. Aimar then played with Real Zaragoza and Benfica before a shock move to Johor Darul Takzim in Malaysia in 2013.
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Pablo Aimar: the Argentinian wizard admired by Maradona and Messi
By Paul Wilson (The Guardian, UK).
The former international, who has retired aged 35, was an effortlessly creative No10 whose list of honours, including two La Liga titles and one Uefa Cup with Valencia, is seen as underwhelming for the ability he possessed.
Here is an obscure quiz question to which only Everton fans may know the answer. What do Pablo Aimar and Grant Holt have in common? Nothing whatsoever would be an entirely reasonable response, perhaps even the correct one, yet in those corners of the football world where people have a retentive memory for this type of thing it may be recalled that both scored treasurable, almost career-defining goals against Liverpool.
Career-defining in the sense that Holt’s goal, which earned Norwich City a point against post-Rafa Benítez Liverpool in 2011, was a thumping centre-forward’s header. Aimar’s was naturally much more intricate, when he finished a pinpoint passing move (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfClLdlC8bo#t=18) – actually Rubén Baraja deserved much of the credit – to give Valencia the lead in a 2002 Champions League meeting at the Mestalla subsequently judged to be the moment Liverpool recognised where their next manager would come from.
Aimar, who has retired at 35 after failing to overcome a series of injuries in his native Argentina with River Plate, was in his pomp with Valencia in 2002. He had played in the 2001 Champions League final whcih Héctor Cúper’s side lost on penalties to Bayern Munich but fully blossomed when Benítez took over at Valencia. Benítez was old-fashioned enough to recognise Aimar’s qualities as a traditional No10 and make the rest of his side fit in around him, allowing the player – called by some the wizard, others the clown (because he entertained with his tricks) but most hailed as some kind of football genius – the scope to express his delicate but quite definite gifts of touch, control and vision.
The quality of Aimar’s goals and assists for River Plate made it obvious he would end up in Europe, and when he joined Valencia for £13m in 2001, Diego Maradona, of whom more later, said he was the only player in the world he would pay to watch. Lionel Messi, no less, has revealed on more than one occasion that Aimar was the player he looked up to as a boy, infatuated with his apparently casual, almost magical ability. “One of the players most admired by Valencia fans,” was how the club reacted to news of his retirement, yet though sublime and successful, Aimar’s time at the pinnacle was relatively short.
With Benítez at the helm and Aimar pulling the attacking strings on the pitch Valencia won La Liga twice, in 2002 and 2004, and added the Uefa Cup with a victory over Marseille in Gothenburg before the manager had his famous argument using living room furniture as metaphors – “I asked for a sofa and they bought me a lamp” – and departed for Merseyside.
Maybe Benítez should have taken Aimar with him – though Anfield was happy enough with Xabi Alonso and Luis García – for the player was never quite the same again. Claudio Ranieri did not appear to trust him, frequently leaving him out of the side, and although the Italian was gone inside a year Valencia’s form had slumped and Aimar seemed to have lost a lot of his previous confidence. A move to Real Zaragoza could only be interpreted as a sign of desperation for a player so recently accustomed to finishing on top of the league, and within two seasons the club was relegated and Aimar’s time in Spain was effectively over. Five years with Benfica were to follow, but Aimar’s best years were all too clearly behind him and his name was inevitably added to the list of players who have been described as the new Maradona but failed to train on and fulfil their potential.
That is quite a long list, beginning with Ariel Ortega and including all sorts of players who neither resemble Maradona nor play in the same position, so even Juan Sebastián Verón was occasionally mentioned in dispatches. Finding the new Maradona is almost a sport in itself, or possibly a party game, like pinning the tail on the donkey. Even though Messi has emerged as unquestionably the best player Argentina has produced since the golden boy, the game is not over. People argue that Messi has achieved nothing of note with Argentina, which happens to be true, whereas Maradona led his country in some style to a glorious World Cup win.
Should that make a difference? Is it Messi’s fault that Argentina never seem to get their act together on the international stage these days? Do we have to wait for another World Cup win and possibly even a Hand of God goal before declaring the quest for a new Maradona officially over? There are no real rules in this game, no certainties. All that can be said is that with 52 caps and a successful club career Aimar was at least one of the more plausible contenders, along with Juan Román Riquelme, who retired in January.
It remains to be seen whether Messi and the present Argentina generation can finally end their wait for a major prize – even Maradona was critical of the Barcelona player following the latest Copa América disappointment against Chile – and some of the newer candidates for world acclaim such as Sergio Agüero, Ángel Di María and Ezequiel Lavezzi are still establishing themselves to a greater or lesser degree.
Aimar burned brightly for a short time in Europe, not setting the world on fire perhaps but impressing observers with his subtle impact, winning friends and matches with a game based on natural style and elegance of movement. He inspired genuine affection as well as admiration, not least in eminent judges like Maradona and Messi. He did not reach their standards of success, not everyone can, but like all truly talented players he made the game look easy and natural.
If one wanted to take a harsh view, it could be said his career ultimately failed to live up to its early promise, both the effortless, boyish charm he exuded at River Plate and the initial years of success with Valencia. But that would be wrong, a mistake akin to dismissing him as the latest failed Maradona. The fact that many refuse to accept Messi as the new Maradona shows how silly that game is. Aimar may have suffered his share of disappointments over the years but nothing about his career suggested failure.
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Germany's Celia Sasic retires at 27
Deutsche Welle
After a brilliant 2015 World Cup campaign and seemingly with many years ahead of her, the news that Celia Sasic won't be playing any more football comes as a shock to the football world.
I've decided to begin a new chapter in my life and call time on my professional football career," read Celia Sasic's statement on her Facebook page on Thursday afternoon, in news that has surprised many football fans.
“I was allowed to play in the Women's Bundesliga for eleven years, experienced unforgettable moments with the Women's national team for ten and a half years and was part of an unbelievable development. That makes me proud," continued Sasic, who has nevertheless set her sights on new things: “Football has been a part of my entire life and will continue to be. I want to finish my studies, sort out my career path, start a family and a lot more.”
Germany Women's head coach Silvia Neid was saddened to hear of Sasic's decision. "It's a real loss for us because Celia is major character who leaves big boots to fill. She was always a role model, on and off the pitch. We won important games because of her; she took on responsibility and completely fulfilled her role as a leading figure. From the bottom of my heart, I wish her all the best for the next step in her life.”
Born in Bonn, Celia Sasic began her career in the Women's Bundesliga in 2005, playing the majority of her games for Bad Neuenahr before she joined up with FFC Frankfurt in 2013, where she won the Champions League last season. Sasic finishes her career having scored 138 goals in 176 Bundesliga games.
In the January of the same year she began her Bundesliga career, Sasic also made her first appearance for Germany. Since then, Sasic has gone on to make 111 appearances, scoring 63 goals, as well as winning the 2009 and 2013 European Championships. The striker even collected the Golden Boot at the 2015 Women's World Cup and narrowly missed out on bronze after Germany lost to England in the third-place playoff game.
Sasic bids farewell to her passion
FIFA.com
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“Football is my passion. It has always been part of my life and will continue to be,” leading German striker Celia Sasic said at the start of her announcement to her Facebook fans on Thursday. “Nevertheless, I’ve decided to begin a new chapter in my life and call time on my professional football career,” she continued. “I’m now looking forward to a range of new things in my life. I want to finish my studies, sort out my career path, start a family and much more.”
Sasic's decision to bid farewell to the sport will have been made all the more difficult given that the Bonn native has only recently cemented her place among the best players of her generation. Just two weeks ago, the forward, who has a French mother and Cameroonian father, was awarded the adidas Golden Boot for finishing the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ as leading goalscorer.
This summer’s tournament in North America otherwise proved to be an emotional rollercoaster for Sasic, who missed a penalty in Germany’s semi-final against USA when the score was still 0-0. “I feel rubbish”, she said after the 2-0 defeat. “I would have liked things to have worked out differently.” Silvia Neid’s side also lost the Match for Third Place against England to finish their campaign in a disappointing fourth place.
An end to fun times
As her World Cup strike partner Anja Mittag told FIFA.com after Germany’s opening match against Côte d’Ivoire in which both players netted hat-tricks, Sasic is extremely strong in the air and “a proper penalty-box predator”. “You can always chat with her,” the Paris Saint-Germain forward added. “She’s extremely intelligent, so you can talk about all kinds of interesting topics – it’s fun.”
That fun has now come to an end, as head coach Silvia Neid regretfully noted. “It’s a real loss for us because Celia is a major character who leaves big boots to fill,” she said in reaction to Sasic’s announcement. “I regret Celia’s decision, but she also understands that football isn’t everything in life and there always comes a moment when you have to focus on other priorities. She was always a role model both on and off the pitch. We won important games because of her; she took on responsibility and fulfilled her role as a leader perfectly.”
The striker began her international career in January 2005, just a few months before Neid took charge of the side and a year after the pair had joined forces to win the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Cup in Thailand. Since then, the 27-year-old has amassed 111 caps for her country, scoring 63 goals along the way. In addition to her triumphs at the 2009 and 2013 European Championships, Sasic was also part of Germany’s bronze medal-winning side at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Paying tribute to her former team-mate’s achievements, Melanie Behringer posted on Twitter: “We’ve worn the eagle on our shirts together for more than ten years. Thanks for that Celi and all the very best for the future.”
One last shot at a title
Sasic was prolific in front of goal for club and country alike, having ended the last two Bundesliga seasons as leading goalscorer. She celebrated her greatest success in May this year, winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League with 1. FFC Frankfurt and topping the goalscorers’ list in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. Prior to joining Frankfurt she spent nine years with Bad Neuenahr.
“It’s a remarkable decision by a remarkable woman,” said Frankfurt coach Siegfried Dietrich. “It takes an incredible amount of courage to step away from a situation where you’re the centre of attention and at the peak of your powers as a professional footballer. She could still have earned a fair amount of money in her career.”
Such considerations are no longer a priority for coach Milan Sasic’s daughter-in-law, whose maiden name was Okoyino da Mbabi before she married husband Marko in August 2013.
While there is no doubt the German star will be sorely missed by the footballing world both on and off the pitch, she still has a shot at one more title this summer despite hanging up her boots. The 27-year-old is one of 12 players – including five from Germany – shortlisted for the UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe award. The winner will be crowned at the end of August, and a win for Sasic would be a fitting end to a remarkable career.
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Germany's Celia Sasic named UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe
SkySports
Recently-retired Germany forward Celia Sasic has won the coveted UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe award.
Sasic beat off competition from former FFC Frankfurt and Germany team-mate Dzsenifer Marozsan and Lyon midfielder Amandine Henry to land the award, which was voted for by a panel of 18 journalists.
https://www.youtube.com/v/61XAvDsPzqA
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Djibril Cissé breaks down in tears as he announces retirement from football
theguardian.com
The former Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers striker Djibril Cissé broke down in tears as he announced his retirement from football on Monday, aged 34.
Cissé, who played for 12 different clubs and made 41 appearances for France, was without a club after leaving Bastia last season and brings the curtain down on a career that began with Auxerre in 1998.
After leaving Auxerre in 2004 Cissé spent five years with Liverpool where he won the Champions League and the FA Cup, netting 24 goals in all, before returning to England on loan at Sunderland in 2008 and to QPR in 2012.
Announcing his decision on French television, Cissé became tearful during a tribute from Guy Roux, his manager at Auxerre. “The body says stop, now it’s over,” Cissé told Canal+. “I can’t practise high-level football.”
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https://www.youtube.com/v/7eyRAfSxtmo
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Sao Paulo goalkeeping legend Rogerio Ceni retires after 23 seasons
ESPNFC
Sao Paulo legend Rogerio Ceni, a World Cup winner with Brazil and scorer of 131 goals in offical matches, has put an end to a glittering career after officially announcing his retirement on Sunday.
Ceni, 42, made his Sao Paulo debut in 1993 and went on to play more than 1,200 matches for the club -- scoring at a rate of almost a goal every 10 games over the course of a career that took in 18 major titles and spanned three decades. He had joined the club three years earlier from Sinop, at the age of 17.
The dead-ball specialist took over the No. 1 shirt in 1997 and by 2005 had scored 21 times, overtaking other famous goal-scoring keepers such as Rene Higuita and Jose Luis Chilavert.
He spent almost his entire career at Sao Paulo, and won Copa Libertadores in 1992, 1993 and 2005 as well as two Intercontinental Cups (1992 and 1993) and a Club World Cup (2005), as well as 16 caps for his country.
In October 2014, Ceni's 590th win with Sao Paulo surpassed the world record for victories at a single club previously held by Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.
Fellow 2002 World Cup winner Ronaldinho was among those who took time to congratulate Ceni via Twitter.
Ceni, who had previously planned to retire in December of last year, left the club after leading them into Copa Libertadores qualifying
Ceni was forced to miss Sunday's meeting with Goais due to injury, depriving fans of the chance to see him play, and perhaps even score, one final time.
An event to honour the iconic shot-stopper will take place at Sao Paulo's Morumbi Stadium on Friday, Dec. 11 with a match that will pit stars from the Sao Paulo side that won back-to-back Intercontinental Cups in 1992-93 against stars from the 2005 FIFA Club World Cup team.
Ronaldinho leads tributes to retiring goalkeeper Ceni
FourFourTwo
Veteran Sao Paulo goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni has played his last match at the age of 42.
Ronaldinho has led the tributes to Sao Paulo's veteran goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni, who has played his last match for the club at the age of 42.
Ceni's extraordinary career took in 23 seasons in Brazil's Serie A and the one-club man racked up over 1,200 appearances for Sao Paulo and Brazil, for whom he won 16 caps.
But it was Ceni's incredible goalscoring that will ensure his name goes down in history, with the goalkeeper hitting 131 goals over the course of his long career, an average of over five strikes each season, to ensure he is football's most prolific goalkeeper.
Ronaldinho, who played in Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning squad with Ceni, wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations for your career and your trajectory. You are an example of an athlete and person. Good luck in this new phase."
Ceni made his Sao Paulo debut in 1993 and has remained loyal to the club throughout his career, winning honours including three Brazilian league titles and two Copa Libertadores crowns.
The goalkeeper had planned to hang up his gloves at the end of last season but instead signed a one-year contract extension to play on for another year.
"This is my last year - not only for Sao Paulo, but as a professional footballer," he said when announcing his retirement in April 2014.
https://www.youtube.com/v/BSEuFkEZYk4
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Luca Toni plans to retire at end of season after Hellas Serie A 'survival'
By Ben Gladwell (ESPNFC).
World Cup winner Luca Toni has announced his intention to retire from professional football at the end of the season and hopes he can sign off by helping keep Hellas Verona in Serie A.
Toni, 38, has found the back of the net just once so far in an injury-blighted season which has reduced him to just seven appearances.
Having netted 22 and 20 in the past two seasons -- finishing as Serie A's joint-top scorer last season with Mauro Icardi -- the striker is considering whether the time has come to call it a day.
"I think that maybe the moment has come for me to quit, celebrating it with a great survival with Hellas," Toni told Sky Sport Italia following Hellas' 1-0 defeat at home to Empoli on Sunday, a result which leaves the club four points adrift at the bottom of Serie A and nine points from safety.
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Former Mexico Int’l Sabah retires
CONCACAF.com
GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- After a 15-year career of 392 games and 139 goals in Mexico, Miguel Sabah announced his retirement from professional football at a press conference on Tuesday [January 5].
“Today, it hurts me to make this decision, but age does not forgive,” said Sabah, a 17-time capped Mexico international. “It was not easy to make this decision. I thank my family, my parents.”
The 36-year-old was released by Leon after the 2015 Liga MX Clausura and was not picked up by another club. His place in CONCACAF history, though, is firmly assured.
In 2009, Sabah was the top scorer in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, netting four goals to help Mexico earn a sixth title in the competition. His 10th minute strike in a 1-1 draw with Panama was the 500th goal in CONCACAF Gold Cup history.
Weeks later, Sabah injected new life into the Tricolor’s uneven qualifying campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Shortly after entering an August 12 game as a late substitute against the visiting United States, he broke a 1-1 deadlock in the 82nd minute to give the host a much-needed three points (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hymiebQZ_a0).
Sabah, who notched five career Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League goals, made his professional debut with Guadalajara in 2001, eventually going on to play for Cruz Azul (2006-08), Morelia (2009-12), before returning to Chivas in December 2012.
He joined Leon in November 2013, where he was part of the 2014 Clausura title-winning squad.
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Croatia international striker Ivica Olić retires from the national team
Croatian Football Federation
On Wednesday, 36-year-old Ivica Olić decided to say goodbye to the national team.
"Saying goodbye to Croatian jersey is a very emotional moment for me. Croatia was always above everything else. That will not change, and I wish my national team a lot of success this summer in France. I will be Croatia's biggest fan", said Olić in an open letter.
Throughout his club career, Olić proved himself at Posavec, Marsonia, Zagreb and Dinamo in Croatia, Hertha Berlin, HSV, Bayern and Wolfsburg in Germany, and CSKA Moscow in Russia.
Olić retires with 104 caps and 20 goals for Croatia, including the World Cup strikes against Italy in 2002 and Cameroon in 2014, which secured him a place in World Cup history books.
The tireless striker remains a symbol for relentless effort in the national team jersey, a player who gave everything in every single match - and had a magnificent career he truly deserved.
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Canada's Julian de Guzman announces retirement, joining Ottawa Fury as an assistant coach
By Kurt Larson, Toronto Sun.
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Canada's Julian de Guzman during a friendly against Brazil in Seattle, Washington.
A lock box contains relics of Julian de Guzman’s storied past.
The Canadian midfielder says its contents are proof of a football career he didn’t think was possible.
“I made sure I got a jersey every game,” de Guzman told the Sun ahead of Monday’s news conference revealing his retirement.
“I can pull out Zinedine Zidane’s jersey. All the top players, I can pull them out (at my bank) and say, ‘Yeah, I actually played against that guy.’ ”
The 35-year-old added: “I knew what I was going through.”
Back home, many didn’t. While de Guzman was trail-blazing through Europe, the Lou Marsh Trophy was being awarded to anyone else. In his prime, de Guzman helped lead Spanish side Deportivo de La Coruna to a place in Europe and a stunning win over Real Madrid.
Regardless, de Guzman’s storied career remains largely untold. “There aren’t many who can understand,” de Guzman added. He refers to it as a “rare Canadian story” — one that reveals how a teenager from Toronto debunked naysayers to eventually become one of the most accomplished footballers in Canadian history.
‘NEXT THING I KNEW’
While attending Cardinal Newman high school in the late 1990s, de Guzman researched playing overseas. “I heard examples of Canadian guys who’d gone to Europe and never made it,” de Guzman said.
A standout with North Scarborough SC, de Guzman’s first trial in Holland ended rather quickly in 1996.
“I had to prove to my parents I was responsible enough to go back overseas by getting good grades,” he reminisced.
Upon returning to Canada, de Guzman was spotted by scouts from Marseille — his second chance at an overseas deal.
So he packed up his things and headed to France’s south port, where he learned first-hand that Canadian footballers may as well be extraterrestrials.
“They weren’t sure why I was there,” de Guzman recalled. “It took them three months to figure out who I was, but it turned out to be a tryout and I did well.”
It afforded him the opportunity to stay with Marseille’s under-17s before the club’s academy director eventually broke the news.
“They told me to go back to Canada because soccer wasn’t for Canadians,” de Guzman remembered. Just thankful for the opportunity, a “disappointed” de Guzman turned his attention to Canada’s under-20 national team.
Amid a training camp in nearby Germany, de Guzman impressed scouts from Saarbrucken to the extent they signed him to a two-year amateur deal.
While the money wasn’t good — roughly $1,000 per month — they offered de Guzman a house and car, “which was great,” he said.
By the following year, de Guzman had graduated to Saarbrucken’s first team, doubling his salary.
No stranger to road blocks, though, he again ran into issues when Saarbrucken sacked its head coach almost immediately.
“The new coach (ex-U.S. international Thomas Dooley) came in and only wanted experienced players,” de Guzman explained. He found himself back with Saarbrucken’s reserves for six months before Dooley — facing relegation — turned back to his young guys.
Relegation spurred free agency for de Guzman — and he didn’t have to wait long before someone came knocking. The head scout at newly promoted Hannover 96 happened to be the assistant coach Saarbrucken sacked earlier that season.
De Guzman quickly came to terms with Hannover before making his Bundesliga debut four games into that season. His first start arrived soon after.
“I didn’t know until the day of the game,” de Guzman said. “The next thing you know, I’m a 21-year-old making my debut against Borussia Dortmund.
“That was a huge jump from listening to a director in Marseille saying I could never make it in Europe.”
‘ORGASMIC’ MOMENT
De Guzman appeared 78 times for Hannover before 2005, when his contract was up for renewal. “I wasn’t getting the offer I thought I should,” de Guzman said. Hannover’s sports director asked de Guzman to keep a secret. “He said, ‘Hey, listen. I’m going back to (La Coruna) and I want to bring you there,’ ” de Guzman said, agreeing it was somewhat shady.
The Canadian turned down offers from Werder Bremen, Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham to play in Spain.
“I went from making 20,000 Euros a month to $750,000 after taxes per year,” de Guzman said, adding that it was like, ‘Wow!’ when he saw his first cheque.
“But I knew that wasn’t the end,” de Guzman said, refocusing the conversation.
“I was told that it’s not about having good games or good seasons, it’s about having a good career. It’s about having consistency.”
De Guzman referred to it as the best time of his career. He was on the same field as guys such as Ronaldinho.
“I was defending them,” de Guzman added. “I would never imagine a Canadian getting that chance.”
Then came what de Guzman called an “incredible orgasm” on the pitch. Scoring the game-winning goal in a 3-1 win over Real Madrid stands alone as the biggest single moment in his career.
“Nobody knew anything about me,” de Guzman recalled. “I was a joke and a clown walking into that league. Scoring that goal (against Real Madrid) was so confusing to me. I felt like I was on top of the world.”
He was named La Coruna’s player of the year the following season. But memories of personal achievement are outnumbered by what he witnessed.
“The one person who always stood out, and remains a memory, is Ronaldinho,” de Guzman said. “I’d be on the bench watching us play Barcelona, and you’re on the edge of your seat. He just had so much fun. He enjoyed the game and was the best.”
RETURNING TO CANADA
Near the end of de Guzman’s deal with La Coruna, the Spanish club still owed him 2 million Euros.
De Guzman also recalls turning down an arranged marriage that would have provided La Coruna with an extra international roster spot. “They were very nonchalant about,” he said. “That got me frustrated.”
At 28, de Guzman looked to cash in. Wigan showed interest, but wouldn’t meet his demands. He also had options to return to Germany.
Finally, a low-ball offer from Toronto FC sparked a conversation. “It was a matter of TFC meeting my expectations,” de Guzman said, estimating TFC’s original offer was for roughly 450,000 Euros per season after taxes.
He eventually agreed to a three-year deal worth roughly $3 million annually.
“TFC met my expectations and even more,” added de Guzman, who doesn’t hide from what turned into a rough ride at BMO Field. De Guzman says he didn’t even know what a Designated Player meant. “It was a struggle,” he added. “I was presented to MLS as if I scored goals. I had crazy bonuses in my contract where I’d get $10,000 for a goal.
“Those weren’t my strengths. That wasn’t what I was taught in Europe.”
Suddenly, de Guzman, a holding midfielder, was expected to be an impact player. He still jokes about playing as a “second striker behind Dwayne De Rosario.
“When you come to MLS, you’re not just enjoying your time in America,” he said of his struggle. “You’re flying five hours to one game. You’re playing on turf. You’re playing with college players.”
But de Guzman doesn’t regret the decision — and not just for the financial implications.
“I got to learn a different culture,” he continued. “I was only in tune with a European mentality.”
The Reds attempted to push de Guzman out following 2009. And again after that.
“After (head coach Aron) Winter got released, he called me and told me TFC was trying to push me out,” de Guzman said. “He said, ‘Julian, you stay there and you collect every penny.’ ”
Relations continued to disintegrate under Paul Mariner until the club’s top brass decided to take a hit.
Controversy brewed when TFC traded de Guzman to Dallas — which paid a mere 10% of his wages — midway through 2012. Then de Guzman caught wind of Mariner’s farewell address in TFC’s dressing room. The Englishman reportedly told the team he’d sent de Guzman to Dallas to “burn in the heat.”
“Guys I was still in touch with relayed that message,” de Guzman said. “It was in a team talk that they had. He probably thought it was humour. I didn’t know if he hated me or was joking. At least he should have had class about it. I should have had better class, too, and not attacked certain people.”
Still, de Guzman refers to it as an “important” struggle. He relished people doubting him.
“You have to struggle,” he said. “That’s one thing I accepted when I stepped on that plane to Europe back in 1996.
“I was going to suffer — whether it was racism or culture shocks or something. I’d be an outcast because I carry a Canadian passport.”
THE FINAL YEARS
De Guzman considered re-upping with Dallas despite being offered a much-smaller deal.
But with his kids in Germany, he headed back overseas. “I wanted to retire,” de Guzman admitted. “I told myself I was out of the game.”
He retired to his vacation home in Mallorca for a few months before an ex-teammate invited him to train with the local club.
That stirred up rumours of a return that de Guzman says led to him inking a short-term deal with Germany’s Jahn Regensburg.
He spent the following season playing for Skoda Xanthi in Greece before his unwavering commitment to Canada eventually brought him to Ottawa, where he’s now an assistant coach.
“(Ex-Canadian coach) Benito Floro said I needed a team,” de Guzman said. “I said I’d sign with any team close to my home in Toronto, or close to my kids.
“I was ready to sign for any amount. It was just about playing and staying fit for the national team.”
De Guzman eventually reached out to former Ottawa Fury head coach Marc Dos Santos. “I said, ‘I don’t even care how much I make. I just need a team.’ ”
De Guzman continued: “Seeing the professionalism in Ottawa was good. It made it an easy decision to stay for another year. Now, here I am.”
And with only good things to say about the staff he officially joined Monday.
“I’ve always told myself — even before coaching was an idea — I want to be involved in the game,” de Guzman said.
“I couldn’t pass up this opportunity in Ottawa ...I’ve been through a lot of clubs and organizations, but here is very special — like a family.
“At the end of the day, I just want to see the game grow. This is my way of giving back to Canadian soccer.”
No matter where de Guzman has been, he’s always respected his passport.
A GOOD SOLDIER
TORONTO -- Nobody has appeared more for Canada’s men’s national team than Julian de Guzman.
At times, it was “painful,” he told the Toronto Sun.
Competing in four World Cup qualifying cycles without making CONCACAF’s hexagonal was tough. Perhaps, though, it was for a reason.
“That’s one of the most disappointing things,” de Guzman said. “But that learning curve of not making the hex is something we can grow from. It’s something we have grown from.”
De Guzman finishes with 89 appearances for Canada. He captained the squad for 25, earning Gold Cup all-star honours in 2007, ’09 and ’13.
“I’ve seen how the (Canadian) game has evolved, but at a very slow pace,” de Guzman added. “This is what my education has been. This is what I’m going to apply on the other side.
“The reason you fail is to succeed. At some point we will succeed. I don’t mind being that solider that went to battle for his country.”
THE DE GUZMAN FILE
Julian de Guzman
Age: 35
Hometown: Toronto
Position: Midfielder
Professional Club Career
2001-02 — FC Saarbrücken
2002-05 — Hannover 96
2005-06 — Deportivo La Coruna
2009-2012 — Toronto FC
2012 — FC Dallas
2013 — Jahn Regensburg
2013-14 — Skoda Xanthi
2015-16 — Ottawa Fury
International Career
2002-16 — Canada
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https://www.youtube.com/v/t7qDtNdJAlk
Xabi Alonso interview: Southgate is trying to change England but the mentality is buried deep
By Matt Dickinson, The Times (London).
As he heads for retirement this weekend, Xabi Alonso explains why the game is about intelligence not physicality
There is a vintage BMW R100 motorbike sitting in a garage waiting for its owner to rev it up and ride it down the highway. Xabi Alonso is looking forward to opening the throttle. “Well, I have to pass my test first,” he smiles. “But I’ve already done the theory. I’m almost ready to go.”
This weekend, almost two decades after a teenage Alonso gave up his two-wheeled machine to focus on making the most of himself as a footballer, one of the best players of his generation will ride off after 18 seasons in which he has not only won so much but accomplished it all with such class, such style.
When Alonso decided it was time to announce his imminent retirement, he wondered which moment he would use to accompany the message on Twitter. Would it be the jaw-dropping comeback in Istanbul to win the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005? How about the celebrated La Decima with Real Madrid in 2014? Or his most recent back-to-back Bundesliga championships with Bayern Munich?
But, then, how could Alonso possibly overlook the 2010 World Cup with Spain, when he started every game, which was the crowning glory of his country’s unprecedented hat-trick of international triumphs? How could one picture sum up a career? With characteristic thought, Alonso grabbed a pair of boots, wandered over to the park pitch near his home in Munich where his nine-year-old son plays at weekends.
Using a phone, his wife took a black and white picture of Alonso, boots in one hand, shy little wave with the other. “Lived it. Loved it. Farewell beautiful game,” he posted.
“I couldn’t pick one photo of my career,” he says. “So I thought, ‘Let’s go back to where it all started, a normal football pitch, with my boots. Let’s finish where it began, where the kids play.’ ”
It was perfectly done, with no PR hullabaloo; elegant, uncomplicated. It is the same when we sit down in the sunshine at Munich’s relaxed training ground on Säbener Strasse to discuss all that Alonso has achieved, and what happens next.
As Philipp Lahm chats a few yards away about his own retirement, Alonso is still not sure what emotions will hit him against Freiburg on Saturday, the last professional game of his life.
But, as he counts down every training session, the finale feels right. At 35, he wanted to bow out at the top, not dragging out his career in China for any amount of money. He hoped to go out on a high — lifting the Bundesliga with Bayern is close enough to the peak.
Retirement propels many sportsmen into a scary void. “I am at peace with myself,” he says. “When I have time to reflect, I know the memories will be good ones.”
Regrets? Well, not quite too few to mention. “Maybe I have three,” he says. “With Real Sociedad, my club, we were one game from winning La Liga [in 2002-03]. With Liverpool we were so close to the Premier League. With Bayern, so close to the Champions League. But maybe that would be too much to ask, too perfect. If you can call them regrets . . . but that’s just football. When I look back, I can be happy that I’ve done what I wanted, dictated my path.”
A new direction awaits, and one that will surely take him into coaching. If ever a man seemed hand-crafted for guiding the next generation, it is this most wise of footballers.
Not so fast, Alonso says. First he wants a long break, a proper year out after so many years of physical and mental intensity. “Sometimes I think about the games too much,” he says. “I’ve lost a lot of sleep thinking about matches for days before, days after.”
There is that motorbike to ride, perhaps some skiing, travel with his family. His son, Jontxu, “a little Scouser” born in Liverpool, is demanding that his father takes him to see the new main stand at Anfield. “I’ve spent my life trying to squeeze everything into four weeks in summer,” he says. “Now I don’t have to plan anything. I have weekends for the first time in 18 years. My wife is thrilled.”
But you would bet a lot of money on the game drawing him back, and Alonso seeking to pass on all he has learnt from all those years as the cerebral midfield fulcrum of some of the world’s biggest clubs.
Alonso is the boy from the Basque country who came to England in 2004, aged 23. His Liverpool debut came in a bruising defeat by Bolton Wanderers. “I remember [after] 15, 20 minutes I think it was a Kevin Nolan tackle, a ‘welcome to the Premier League tackle,’ ” he laughs. “Then there was [Jussi] Jaaskelainen from his kicks, not even trying to pass, just long balls up to Kevin Davies. I said to myself, ‘This is different. OK, Xabi, you want to make it here, become a pro with Liverpool you need to learn fast.’ ” He won the Champions League, unforgettably, at the end of his first season.
From those five seasons at Anfield, Alonso developed a deep fondness for English football. But it is not a blind loyalty.
That overt physicality still makes Alonso shake his head with bemusement. We chat about Steven Gerrard’s recent promise to knock out the “showboating mentality” among Liverpool’s under-18s. It is a matter of emphasis and Alonso’s is clear.
“You need to be up for the game but, for me, it’s about intelligence,” he says. “If you are afraid of contact, for sure you won’t make it. But the most important thing is to understand the game, like why I need to play a short pass here, a longer pass there. Why take this position not that one. Try to understand the game around you. That’s my idea.”
It is a reminder that he once gave an interview despairing that a young player in the Liverpool academy had cited the tackle as his greatest strength. “Tackling isn’t a quality to aspire to,” he said, in a perfectly pitched challenge to English footballing culture.
“It was a great controversy,” Alonso says. “And I stick with my opinion. I don’t refuse the tackle. I love a good tackle. But it’s the last resort.
“It’s much better to avoid the tackle. Try to anticipate. How many times does [Barcelona’s Sergio] Busquets tackle in his position? He’s so ahead of the game, he doesn’t need to.
“In England you love to roar, ‘Aaagghhhh,’ it’s part of your game. But it needs to progress like we see with German players now, more adaptable, more flair. You see the success they had at the World Cup, and that was a ten-year process. England, it’s taking longer. You have good young players, [Gareth] Southgate is trying to bring a different way that I like. But the mentality is buried deep.”
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It is a reminder that he once gave an interview despairing that a young player in the Liverpool academy had cited the tackle as his greatest strength. “Tackling isn’t a quality to aspire to,” he said, in a perfectly pitched challenge to English footballing culture.
“It was a great controversy,” Alonso says. “And I stick with my opinion. I don’t refuse the tackle. I love a good tackle. But it’s the last resort.
“It’s much better to avoid the tackle. Try to anticipate. How many times does [Barcelona’s Sergio] Busquets tackle in his position? He’s so ahead of the game, he doesn’t need to.
Like this :beermug:
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Arda Turan has announced his retirement from national team duty following an incident aboard the plane transporting the Turkish national team. Reports on social and traditional media indicate that Turan attacked a journalist travelling with the playing and technical delegation. Turan has said he is unrepentant - although he concedes the incident should not have occurred on the NT plane.
The retirement comes with the 30 year old having been well-positioned to achieve 100 caps.
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Andrea Pirlo formally announces retirement from football
The Telegraph
(https://www-telegraph-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/i/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2017/11/06/TELEMMGLPICT000145903995-xlarge_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQfyf2A9a6I9YchsjMeADBa08.jpeg)
Andrea Pirlo has formally announced his retirement from professional football after a trophy-laden 22-year career.
The former Italy international, 38, played his final match on Sunday as New York City FC were knocked out of the MLS Cup play-offs by the Columbus Crew.
City needed to overturn a 4-1 deficit from the first leg but, despite a 2-0 victory at Yankee Stadium, their post-season involvement came to an end, and with it Pirlo's career.
The former AC Milan and Juventus playmaker revealed earlier this year he was planning to retire at the end of the MLS season, and on Monday he published a farewell message through his Twitter account.
It read: "Last match in MLS. As my time in NYFC comes to an end I would like to say a few words. I want to thank everybody for the kindness and support they have shown me in this incredible city.
"Thank you to the amazing supporters, thank you to the coaching staff, and everybody that works behind the scenes, thank you to my team-mate
Not only my adventure in NY comes to an end but my journey as a football player as well.
"That is why I would like to take the opportunity to thank my family and my children for the support and love they have always given me, every team that I had the honour to play for, every team-mate I have been pleased to play alongside, all the people that made my career so incredible and last but not least, all the fans around the world that always showed me support.
"You will always be on my side and in my heart."
Pirlo joined New York City FC in July 2015 as one of the most decorated and respected players in global football.
He helped Juve win four successive Serie A titles after joining them in 2011, having previously spent a decade at Milan, with whom he claimed a host of trophies, including winning two Champions Leagues, Serie A twice, the Coppa Italia and the FIFA Club World Cup.
He also collected 116 caps for Italy and was a member of their 2006 World Cup-winning squad before retiring from international football in 2015.
New York City FC wrote in a statement: "Everyone at New York City FC would like to congratulate Andrea on an incredible career and to thank him for his excellent contribution to NYCFC over the past two and a half years."
(https://mobile.twitter.com/Pirlo_official/status/927541354242170880/photo/1)
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Andrea Pirlo saluta e lascia: la sua diversità ha cambiato il calcio
By di Mario Sconcerti, Corriere Della Sera Sport.
Non so quando rinascerà uno come Andrea Pirlo. Spero ci si sia resi conto della sua diversità. Tutto il calcio latino è molto legato ai numeri 10, tende a sottovalutare quello che non è il gol. Si ricordano le punizioni di Pirlo e non come queste nascevano. Ci vuole un controllo straordinario per decidere la traiettoria di un pallone, all’aria aperta o sotto la pioggia. Ma quello per lui era solo un ricamo. La diversità stava in come usava i quattro metri che trovava sempre tra la folla per vedere un compagno libero e mandarlo in gol.
È nato nel periodo sbagliato per il suo tipo di gioco. Il calcio negli anni Novanta e Duemila tornò a innamorarsi del pressing, della difesa alta. Guardiola è bravissimo, ma non le ha inventate lui, vengono da molto lontano, servivano per recuperare in fretta il pallone già nella metà campo degli altri. L’aggressione a metà campo fu costruita proprio per limitare quelli come lui che se avevano il tempo di pensare mettevano il pallone dove volevano.
Il primo a capire che Pirlo andava sfruttato in modo diverso fu Carlo Mazzone che lo portò dieci metri più indietro nel Brescia. Fu poi Ancelotti a farne un regista moderno e senza nome se non il suo. Nacque il regista alla Pirlo, qualcosa appunto di unico. Per capire tanta diversità basta ricordare che ancora pochi anni fa uno bravo come Allegri, allora al Milan, gli preferì Van Bommel davanti alla difesa, un giocatore di fisico e di misura. Pirlo si sarebbe dovuto spostare a fare l’interno, di nuovo in mezzo al pressing. Lui disse no e andò alla Juve, dove ritrovò Allegri che nel frattempo aveva capito.
La differenza di Pirlo è stata per anni quella del Milan e della Juve. C’erano molti bravi attaccanti, molti fantasisti, ma non c’era un altro Pirlo. Andava contro il ritmo del calcio che prevede passaggi orizzontali e un corridoio finale. Pirlo andava sempre in verticale, di cinque metri o cinquanta, ma a modo suo. E quel modo diventava la differenza della squadra. Hanno cercato cento modi di chiuderlo, dal centravanti che lo marcava a inizio gioco, al medianaccio che lo asfissiava. Ma Pirlo aveva un alleato, il pallone, sapeva mandarlo dove voleva. Così ha vissuto nel punto più pericoloso del campo e senza averne le doti fisiche, quasi senza accorgersene. Era casa sua. E da lì ricominciava per mandare in porta gli altri.
Non ha paragoni, li ha creati. Non cercava di giocar bene a calcio, lo inventava. Se devo pensare a qualcuno davvero, mi viene in mente Didi. Ma è un ricordo sfuocato. Pirlo ha preso in giro il calcio degli schemi, quello vero era sempre il suo. Spero sia stato felice, ma non è facile quando si è unici. Non riesco adesso a immaginarlo allenatore o immerso nel mercato a comprare giocatori molto peggiori di lui. Lo vedo come una grande memoria, cioè il vero tempo di tutti noi. E tra i ricordi uno importante: è sempre stato un gentiluomo. Credo che per lui il difficile cominci adesso. Ma quando sai maneggiare così una palla, puoi giocare qualunque cosa, anche la vita.
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What a friggin soldier.
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What a friggin soldier.
more than that, the Italian double O six of football, right in front of the brits 007. A real special ops silent assassin player. Nuff man an teams he leave dead on the field, and some ah dem didn't even know it.
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Uruguay stalwart Lugano hangs up the boots
FIFA
(http://img.fifa.com/mm/photo/worldfootball/nationalteams/01/68/04/26/1680426_full-lnd.jpg)
Diego Lugano, who captained Uruguay to a memorable semi-final appearance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, has announced his retirement to bring down the curtain on a glittering 19-year playing career.
A stoic but athletic centre-back, Lugano enjoyed a fruitful decade-long career for La Celeste, which ended in 2014.*
Lugano debuted during the unsuccessful qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup, before appearing on the world stage in 2010 as Uruguay finished fourth, and he also represented his nation four years later in Brazil.
Lugano earned 95 caps, winning the Copa America in 2011, and featuring at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.
Now 37, Lugano has accepted on off-field role at Sao Paulo, the club where he concluded his playing career.
Poster's note
In total, Lugano won seven domestic league trophies (two in Uruguay with Nacional, three with Fenerbahce, two in Brazil with Sao Paulo and one with Paris Saint Germain).
In terms of Cups, he won a Coupe de France with PSG and three with Fenerbahce.
Also lifted a Copa America, the Copa Libertadores and a FIFA Club World Cup title.
*Made his professional debut in 1999 with Nacional and was capped by Uruguay in 2004. Has played more matches as captain than any other captain of the Uruguayan national team.
https://www.youtube.com/v/XyelEl4UA4w
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Cuauhtémoc Blanco
5 December 1992 - April 21, 2015
The 42 year old Blanco retired yesterday following participating in Puebla's 4-2 victory over Chivas to win the Copa Mx. He retires as one of two Mexican players to have scored at three different World Cups (1998, 2002 and 2010). Put into context, it should be noted that he was excluded from the 2006 WC squad due to personal difference with Ricardo Lavolpe.
In his exclusion from a WC squad he reminds me of Romario. In his personal disposition, reception from the fans and his ability to be controversial, he reminds me of Riquelme. In his retirement, he reminds us of the road explored by several former retiring players: politics. He is standing as a mayoral candidate in a municipality of fair importance.
More to follow.
Cuau obtained 39,861 votes (28.4%) standing as a candidate of the Social Democrats to be mayor (presidente municipal propietario or alcalde) of Cuernavaca. The PRI's candidate's vote total of 31,455 constituted Blanco's closest challenge. The PRI has launched a challenge to the electoral authority's confirmation of Blanco in the position, based on electoral irregularities. However, it appears that the extent of the irregularities, even if sustained as valid, would not have impacted the outcome as it stands.
The election occurred on June 6, and the formal confirmation was announced on Sunday, June 21.
(http://images.spanish.latinospost.com/data/images/full/22981/cuauht-moc-blanco-candidato-alcalde-cuernavaca-morelos.jpg?w=600)
(http://cdn.kaltura.com/p/923261/thumbnail/entry_id/1_6lhci9w0/width/0/quality/100/image.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/607722457055633408/nB1GixwQ_400x400.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CITT054VEAAU1I8.jpg)
Press conference held a few hours ago.
Blanco was elected Governor of the State of Morelos in yesterday's national elections in Mexico (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/02/almo-win-mexico-president-election-coalition-partners-candidates).
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Yaya has scored goals far more attractive than this goal, but this goal delivered a coveted title (and snatched a FA Cup Winner's medal from Kenwyne).
https://www.youtube.com/v/TtvIjUpuANI
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https://www.youtube.com/v/GQzjbYifuBc
Ashley Cole retires from playing and plans move into coaching
Press Association
Ashley Cole has said he is planning a move into coaching after calling time on his illustrious playing career.
The former England defender won 13 major titles during his 20-year career, including the 2012 Champions League with Chelsea, three Premier League titles and seven FA Cup triumphs.
38-year-old Cole, who won 107 caps for England, announced his retirement on Sky Sports, where he was appearing as a pundit for Sunday afternoon’s Premier League games.
“After hard thinking and consideration, it was obviously time to hang my boots up and look towards my next chapter, which will hopefully be coaching. I’m doing a course at the moment,” Cole said. “Now I want to be great at being a coach.”
Cole made more than 500 club appearances in a career that took in Arsenal, Crystal Palace (on loan), Chelsea, Roma, LA Galaxy and Derby County.
“As a young kid I never expected to be a professional, so looking back now, to be able to say I played in World Cups, Champions League finals ... being lucky enough to lift Premier League titles is a young kid’s dream, so I’ve fulfilled my dream. [It’s been] incredible, to be honest.”
Despite his impressive haul of domestic trophies, Cole said he was proudest of his England caps. Only Peter Shilton, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Bobby Moore have made more England appearances.
“I probably didn’t grasp it as much as I should,” Cole added. “I look back now and I’ve played for my country, not just once but I’ve managed to play over 100 times. I’m proud of that and it’s just a little bit disappointing I didn’t get to a final or even a semi-final with England.”
Cole began his career with Arsenal and, after a brief loan spell at Palace, went on to make more than 200 appearances for the North London side, lifting the FA Cup three times and winning the Premier League twice.
He was a member of the “Invincibles” team who went through the 2003-04 Premier League season unbeaten, but left the club in acrimonious circumstances two years later. His move to Chelsea angered Arsenal fans, who dubbed him “Cashley”. In his autobiography, Cole said he had “nearly swerved off the road” after being told by his agent that Arsenal were offering him £55,000 per week, compared to £90,000 from Chelsea.
Cole was fined £100,000 – later reduced to £75,000 on appeal – for his part in an illegal approach from Chelsea in 2005. A year later, Cole joined Chelsea for £5m, with William Gallas moving the other way.
The left-back won the FA Cup in his first season at Chelsea, and four times in total while at Stamford Bridge. Cole also won the Premier League in 2010 and the Champions League in 2012, scoring in the penalty shootout as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in the final.
After leaving Chelsea in 2014, Cole enjoyed spells with Roma and LA Galaxy before ending his playing career under former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard at Derby. Cole joined in January and helped Lampard’s side reach the Championship play-off final, where they lost to Aston Villa.
https://www.youtube.com/v/zUHvPgJgop8
If there were a hall of fame for left-backs, Cole would be an instant inductee. The Englishman possesses 107 caps, three Premier League winner’s medals – won with two different clubs – seven of the same from the FA Cup and one League Cup. Cole won the Champions League and Europa League, too, during a terrific spell at Chelsea. Earlier, Cole was part of Arsenal’s revered Invincibles side. All this after being brought up by a single mother in the East End of London.
--- Ewan Murray writing in the The Guardian, September 24, 2017.
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https://www.youtube.com/v/MHO0JEbtlZM
https://www.youtube.com/v/cD07S2K4Pu4
Wesley Sneijder hangs up his boots after a glittering 17-year career
DutchNews.nl
Former Dutch international Wesley Sneijder has announced his retirement from professional football after a 17-year career filled with trophies. Sneijder, 35, said in Utrecht on Monday evening he had decided to call it quits. He made the announcement on the FC Utrecht tv channel when talking about his decision to rent a skybox at the Galgenwaard stadium. ‘I have a major attachment to the city,’ he said. ‘Now I have stopped playing, I want to have a good place to share my memories.’ Sneijder, who comes from Utrecht, has been without a club since the summer and stood down as an international in September 2018 after a record-breaking 134 caps for Oranje.
He is the third of the Dutch greats after Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben to announce his retirement from the game this year.
Sneijder made his debut for the Dutch national team in a friendly match against Portugal in April 2003, less than two months after breaking into Ajax’s first team as an 18-year-old.
He is the third of the Dutch greats after Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben to announce his retirement from the game this year. Sneijder made his debut for the Dutch national team in a friendly match against Portugal in April 2003, less than two months after breaking into Ajax’s first team as an 18-year-old.
His real breakthrough came in November that year when he masterminded a 6-0 win against Scotland in the second leg of the play-offs for Euro 2004, after the Netherlands had lost the first leg 1-0.
Sneijder was the linchpin of the team that reached the 2010 World Cup final, scoring five goals from midfield to become the tournament’s joint top scorer. Four years later he won his 100th international cap as the Dutch shocked world champions Spain in their opening World Cup match, winning 5-1 on their way to the semi-finals.
As an Ajax player Sneijder won the league title in his debut season and the KNVB Cup twice before being sold for €27 million to Real Madrid in 2007. Two years later he joined Inter Milan, where he was instrumental in winning the treble of league, cup and Champions League in the 2009-10 season.
He later spent five years at Turkish club Galatasaray before buying himself out of his contract in July last year and moving to Qatar.
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Juan Silveira dos Santos ("Juan")
Not a player about whom there is extensive documentation in the media, particularly in English language publications, but his contributions at both ends of the football field made a statement.
This goal against Uruguay, under Tabarez one of the most defensively applied teams in the world, speaks for itself.
https://www.youtube.com/v/N1cmMnEzQOY
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Fernando Torres to pay homage to Atletico Madrid in final game of his career
Arturo J. Caballero, Marca
Fernando Torres will hang up his boots on August 23 during a match against Vissel Kobe, who have his friends Andres Iniesta and David Villa in their ranks, and the striker has played a role in deciding which shirt the Sagan Tosu players will wear.
The strip, which emulates Atletico Madrid's Puma kit from the 1990s, will mean that Torres will be able to pay homage to the team of his heart, despite being halfway across the world.It remains to be seen if Torres will return to Atleti after retiring in a non-playing capacity.
https://www.youtube.com/v/iVUaIWzEtBM
https://www.youtube.com/v/CvXhnozCVfU
Speaking with Javier Matallanas of as.com about the most important goal he scored:
https://www.youtube.com/v/qRLbzpy1y8Y
"It’s the goal that changed my career. What’s more, it was after my best footballing year which was at Liverpool. That group of players, we changed the history of Spanish football and it fell to me to have the luck of scoring the goal in the final. At the time you don’t realise you’ve scored the most important goal you’re going to score in your career. With time, you do realise. It didn’t just change my life, it changed the dynamic of the Spanish team, it takes you to another level as a player, they value you differently. It’s a key moment, a before and after moment."
[What other goals would you pick from your career?]
The one in Vienna, of course. My first goal when I came back to Atleti for my second spell, because of the opponents, to score again wearing that shirt, what it meant at the time. I always talk about the goal in the other final of the European Championships in 2012, which seems like it never happened. The goal in Vienna is so important that it seems like in the final in 2012 I never scored, both that goal and the pass to Juan Mata, they are moments I value in my career. And of course the final goal in an Atleti shirt, because there’ll never be any more.
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https://www.youtube.com/v/iD1B8c3c3_4
Bastian Schweinsteiger announces retirement from football
Deutsche Welle
The former World Cup winner and Bayern Munich captain has called time on an illustrious career. German national team coach Joachim Löw has paid tribute to 'one of Germany's greatest ever players.'
Germany and Bayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.
Born and raised in Rosenheim, near Munich, midfielder Schweinsteiger scored 68 goals in exactly 500 first-team appearances for Bayern Munich between 2002 and 2015, winning eight Bundesliga titles, seven German Cups, one League Cup and one Champions League - the latter part of an historic treble in 2013.
He also made 121 senior appearances for his country and was a key member of the Germany team which won a fourth World Cup in Brazil in 2014. Following the tournament, he inherited the captaincy from Bayern teammate and close friend Philipp Lahm.
Schweinsteiger left Bavaria in 2015 and signed for record English champions Manchester United, for whom he made a total of 35 appearances, picking up FA Cup and Europa League winners' medals.
In 2017, he moved to the United States to join MLS side Chicago Fire, where he scored eight goals in 92 appearances, the last of which was on Sunday, a 5-2 victory away to Orlando City.
"The time has now come and I will be finishing my active career at the end of this season," Schweinsteiger announced via Twitter, thanking his former clubs, the German national team, his family and his wife, former world number one tennis player Ana Ivanovic.
"Saying goodbye as an active player makes me feel a little nostalgic, but I am also looking forward to the exciting challenges that await me soon. I will always remain faithful to football."
Schweinsteiger has not yet made public his plans post-retirement, but one destination could be the German Football Association (DFB).
"We'll always have a place for him here," said national team coach Joachim Löw, who led Germany to that 2014 triumph in Rio de Janeiro and is currently preparing the side for the 2020 European Championships.
"I don't know what his plans are but any former player who wants to become a coach, whether doing their badges or coaching our youth teams, is always welcome," added Löw, who recently had Schweinsteiger's former Germany teammate Miroslav Klose on his staff, coaching the strikers.
Speaking at the German Football Museum in Dortmund, Löw described Schweinsteiger as "one of the greatest players that Germany has ever had" and said that the image of him bloodied up during the World Cup final will forever remain etched in fans' memories.
"He fought until he dropped," he said. "You could sense his will to win in everything he did."
Bastian Schweinsteiger: From winger to World Cup winning warrior
Deutsche Welle
By the time of the performance that will forever define his career, Bastian Schweinsteiger was a tough, smart, skilled and streetwise central midfielder. The controller, if not the captain, of the Germany side that won the World Cup in Rio in 2014.
Along with Mario Götze's winning goal, images of Schweinsteiger — bleeding from a cut just beneath his eye — driving his team on physically and technically are those that have lingered longest in the collective memory.
Such a complete performance in the heart of midfield in the biggest game on the planet was remarkable. But it becomes even more so for those who remember his first steps into elite football as a teenage Bayern Munich winger with a reputation for questionable behavior and haircuts.
Ottmar Hitzfeld handed Schweinsteiger and Phlipp Lahm their Bayern debuts in a Champions League group-stage tie in November 2002 and the pair would go on to define both Bayern and the German national team for over a decade. Schweinsteiger made 500 Bayern appearances, winning eight Bundesliga titles, seven German Cups and the Champions League as part of the 2013 treble under coach Jupp Heynckes.
The man with the plan
"To me, Schweinsteiger is a great strategist," Heynckes said of his player shortly before that treble. "Just as a film director has his script, he has a plan in his mind for matches."
By that time, the boy from Bavaria had become a man. His early appearances came mostly on the right-hand side of midfield, where Schweinsteiger's crossing and penchant for spectacular long-range passes and shots were allowed to come to the fore. His performances there were enough to win him a surprise call-up for his country's Euro 2004 squad shortly after his international debut against Hungary.
Though Germany exited at the group stage in Portugal, Schweinsteiger impressed and it was the last time he'd have to suffer such an exit. The 35-year-old shares the record for most appearances in World Cup and Euros finals matches (38) with Cristiano Ronaldo and played a key role as Germany restored some national sporting pride with a home World Cup in 2006 that many saw as the foundation for what happened eight years later.
As well as that third-placed finish in 2006, Schweinsteiger also helped Germany finish third in the 2010 World Cup but was denied a European Championships winners medal with a series of close calls over four tournaments. It's the one medal missing from his collection.
Heart on sleeve
There were also moments of heartbreak with Bayern, most notably the 2012 Champions League final defeat to Chelsea on home turf. Schweinsteiger was visibly distraught after the penalty loss and his visceral reaction drew plenty of sympathy.
It wasn't unusual. More than most footballers, and contrary to the general perception of German players, Schweinsteiger showed what he felt. It's always been clear how much he cared and how much he valued the team and the sport.
"Bastian was the soul and the heart of the team. He did everything for the team, not for himself," said Heynckes.
After a public admonishment from German Chancellor Angela Merkel following a sending-off against Croatia in 2008, Schweinsteiger became something of an ambassador for German football, maintaining his composure through a difficult spell at Manchester United before winding down his career with Chicago Fire, where he'll finish up at the end of the current season.
As tributes continue to pour in from teammates, it's clear he'll retire as an undisputed Bayern Munich and Germany icon. As for the future, Germany coach Joachim Löw hinted ahead of a rematch of that 2014 final on Wednesday that the door was open to his former charge.
Whether Schweinsteiger is ready to take that next step is not yet clear. But he's never shirked a challenge before.
Quotes in homage
"One of the greatest German players ever ... A big player, a huge personality. Always honest, always emphatic." --- Joachim Low.
"It was an honour to play, fight and win trophies with you. The game will miss you. All the best and enjoy your free time Fußballgott!"--- David Alaba
It was an honor and a pleasure to share part of the journey with you @BSchweinsteiger You leave the field but not the love for football. God bless you, man! --- Antonio Valencia
Congratulations to my good friend @BSchweinsteiger on an unbelievable career. It was a pleasure to get to play alongside you. Good luck in your retirement." #legend --- Wayne Rooney
To view a chronology of Schweinsteiger's career in photos, go to From Basti to Mr. Schweinsteiger (https://www.dw.com/en/from-basti-to-mr-schweinsteiger/g-45243429)
#DankeBasti
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https://www.youtube.com/v/G1veVDGzVls
Farewell to DaMarcus Beasley: a US star with no interest in the limelight
By Tom Dart, The Guardian
The former PSV and Rangers player never measured his worth in newsprint or television appearances and never cared about outside praise or criticism.
Sunday was branded Decision Day in MLS, but for one of the finest players the American game has ever produced, the choice was made months ago.
DaMarcus Beasley announced his retirement in May, days before his 37th birthday. He made his farewell appearance in the Houston Dynamo’s 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy, in which a man nearly eight months his senior, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, scored his 30th goal of the season.
Even in the Oprah Giveaway Show of professional sports leagues – “You get a playoff place! You get a playoff place! You get a playoff place!” – it’s been clear for a while that the only way Houston’s players would experience postseason thrills this autumn is by walking three blocks north of BBVA Stadium and scoring a ticket for the Astros.
Waving goodbye to the modest crowd, who gave him a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 89th minute, Beasley’s 20-year career was done.
There was a certain circle-closing neatness in the identity of the opposition, since the Galaxy were Beasley’s first professional club back in 1999 when he was a lithe, precocious winger who idolised Ryan Giggs. Before playing a game in California he was traded to Chicago, where he became enough of a starlet to be signed by then-PSV Eindhoven head coach Guus Hiddink in 2004 as a replacement for Arjen Robben.
With PSV he became the first American to play in the last four of the Champions League; in Britain he may be best remembered for spells with Manchester City (on loan from PSV in 2006-07) and Rangers (2007-10) that were defined by injuries and fitful moments of flair. And for somebody blowing up his BMW.
A move to the Bundesliga with Hanover was an unalloyed flop. But after a solid three-year stint in Mexico with Puebla – where he became fluent in Spanish – he returned to MLS to join Houston shortly after starting all four of the US’s fixtures in the 2014 World Cup. The league decided its finances had evolved enough to offer Designated Player money (about $800,000 annually in Beasley’s case) to a 32-year-old left back. His time in Texas yielded a couple of All-Star selections, a league fair play award, one playoff appearance and the 2018 US Open Cup.
That modest trophy haul from his spell at one of MLS’s lower-profile franchises helps explain why the response to his retirement seems relatively muted when viewed against his overall achievements.
But – even though he was a novelty in the 2000s as an American outfield player holding his own at famous European clubs through skill rather than brawn – there is the sense that Beasley has long been highly respected and slightly underrated. As a 2007 Chicago Tribune headline put it: “Beasley’s game bigger than name”.
A 2015 Guardian list of the best-ever male American players ranked Beasley 18th. You might say that is low for the only USMNT member to play in four World Cups; a man who (like his fellow retiree, Tim Howard) appeared at least once for the national side in each of 16 years, scoring 17 goals in 126 caps (good for seventh-most on the US all-time list).
“A guy who’s played in four World Cups, to have as many caps as he has, you’d put him up there with some of the greatest careers in the history of American soccer,” said Davy Arnaud, Houston’s interim head coach and Beasley’s former international teammate. “He’s athletic, he’s quick, he’s fantastic with his feet but his reading and his understanding of the game I think is what has taken him to the highest level.”
What kept him there is pragmatism: his twilight years have been a masterclass in managed decline as he transitioned to making left-back his permanent position in his early 30s as his body slowed but his mind stayed sharp.
“If I had stayed as a winger, in midfield, would I have played in a fourth World Cup? Probably not,” he told reporters at Houston’s training ground last week.
He was still capable of conjuring the unexpected – this goal from February, say, or a prank on his teammates (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT5xVdIwT4o) last week that involved a truck, an image from an infamous New York Times 2002 World Cup “fashion” photoshoot and 110 bags of styrofoam peanuts.
But longevity and consistency made him appear predictable and safe ≠ a stark contrast from his early years as a kid dubbed “Jitterbug” for his kinetic attacking. And a departure from the jinking winger he was in Europe, as liable to frustrate as to thrill, where his side hustle was a diamond jewellery collection.
“That’s been something that I’ve talked about with my business partner. Seriously, it has been. Make a few new pieces, kind of reinvent the line,” he said. “At the same time, I want to stay in football.”
That could mean following his passion for youth development by opening a training centre in Houston, perhaps similar to the Beasley National Soccer School in his native Fort Wayne, Indiana. Or an as-yet-undefined role with the Dynamo: “We have reached out to each other to see if there’s any possibility that we can work together in the future at some point,” he hedged.
His lack of interest in the limelight, as well as his career trajectory, may also explain why he has not transcended his sport into household name status. Beasley never measured his worth in newsprint or television appearances and never cared about outside praise or criticism.
“Everyone has their own opinion. There’s people in the world that think Messi’s not a good player. How in the hell is that possible? But there are people like that. Huh? He’s the best player on the planet. So that stuff does not bother me at all,” he said.
“Even when I was in Germany, I didn’t play [but] I was on the national team, I always had confidence in myself. I never let that go. People said ‘oh, he’s done, what’s he going to do, blah blah blah’. I didn’t go to the media, I didn’t say anything, I didn’t care what people said about me.”
Turns out, pace took him to the top but stamina kept him there. And Beasley proved exceptional not only in his durability, but his resilience. “If they say that I’ve done this or done that… it doesn’t bother me either way,” he said. “Me, I play for the people that’s in [the locker room], I play for my family, the fans, that’s it.”
He’ll have to get used to describing his playing career in the past tense. But it’s easy to believe he is smart and adaptable enough to make a success of life off the pitch. “I’m excited for the future,” he said. “I’m intrigued about what the next chapter is for me.”
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Have any of the women warriors retired?
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Have any of the women warriors retired?
Not officially as far as I know, although some like Dernelle Mascall act like it.
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St Kitts flagbearer Atiba Harris hangs up boots
By Sean A. Williams, Jamaica Observer
Atiba Harris has had a long and successful stint playing professionally in the US leagues. But like anything else in life, all good things must come to an end.
The 36-year-old St Kitts and Nevis footballer has called time on his professional career recently, hanging up his boots at a time when he could still have a few more productive playing years left in hm.
But for Harris, the time to walk away is now.
“I have decided to hang up my boots because I felt like the time was right to move on to the next chapter of my life as I wanted to focus on going home to St Kitts & Nevis and assist with football development,” he told the Jamaica Observer recently.
Harris, who ended his playing career with United Soccer League's Oklahoma City Energy, said his 14 years campaigning in the US leagues allowed him to fulfil a boyhood dream.
“I think that my time in the US was fairly decent [as] I was able to accomplish my dream in competing consistently at the professional level,” Harris said.
He noted that among the high points of a career that also took him to Spain and Mexico, was becoming the first player from his island home to play in US Major League Soccer (MLS).
But there was also a painful low.
“My high point was definitely becoming the first player from St Kitts & Nevis to sign in Major League Soccer and making the nation proud. My low point was having to deal with multiple surgeries between 2011 and 2012,” he recalled.
Harris, a defender, had his most successful spell at FC Dallas where he played over 120 matches.
“I have had five excellent years with FC Dallas and I will forever hold this club close to my heart. The set up at the club is amazing from top to bottom, especially the way that this club aims to develop players from the academy level all the way to the senior level,” he shared.
The Kittian said he had the pleasure playing alongside a number of former and current Reggae Boyz. Among them are Ryan Johnson and Andy Willams at Real Salt Lake; Shavar Thomas at Chivas USA; Jeff Cunningham at both Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas; Darren Mattocks at Vancouver Whitecaps FC; Deshorn Brown at Colorado Rapids and OKC Energy FC; Khari Stephenson and Shaun Francis at San Jose Earthquakes and Je-Vaughn Watson at FC Dallas and OKC Energy FC.
Harris says playing for Cadiz of Spain's La Liga and Linares of Spain's Division B, plus a stint with Mexico's Murcielagos was an eye-opener.
“Playing in Spain and Mexico helped me to understand a different way of life. Going to Spain at 18 had its challenges as I didn't speak the language, so I had to quickly figure things out. I encountered racism, but the football was on point,” Harris said.
His move to Mexico, after a well-travelled course in the MLS, was seen as being risky as his team was located in drug cartel-controlled Sinaloa.
But his desire to move to Mexico was stronger than his fear of the potential danger.
“I was married with three daughters and my wife is of Mexican heritage, so we were excited for that move. Some people thought it was a risky decision going to Los Mochis in Sinaloa, Mexico, but we had an amazing time off the field as a family,” Harris said.
The St Kitts and Nevis international said while he had dreamt of making it big in Europe, playing in the US in the main and in Concacaf competitions provided Harris with a sense of accomplishment.
“As a little boy I always wanted to go to Europe and play in the European Champions League, but that didn't happen. However, I was able to play in the Concacaf Champions League, which is our version of top club competition in this region, and for that, I am thankful,” he stated.
Harris, who was capped more than 60 times for his native St Kitts, said a great source of pride was wearing the national colours and his role as mentor for young players.
“It has been a pleasure representing my country in the professional world and I do have regular conversations with young aspiring players who are looking to make that step into the professional arena,” he noted.
Harris thinks the future of St Kitts football is secured with the talent the country continues to cultivate against the odds.
“I think our country is blessed with lots of natural talent both locally and in our Diaspora and we were able to have a few players other than myself who went on to become professional players and make an impact,” he reasoned.
He singled out Keith “Kayamba” Gumbs, Thrizen “Jamous”, Julani Archibald, Romaine, Phoenitia Browne, Shontelle Wilkinson, and female player Caroline “T Mac” Springer as other national players who have been flying the nation's flag with distinction over the years.
Now that his retirement from the playing turfs of the game is sealed, Harris has declared his intention to run for the presidency of the St Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA).
“After some serious consideration, I have decided to be a candidate for the presidency of the SKNFA as the current president is stepping down and local clubs have reached out to me to step up,” he asserted.
Harris holds the view that the SKNFA is heading in a direction which does not necessarily serve the best interest of the game.
“I think that the SKNFA has done some good things and not so good things over the years. We've seen the highs when things were looking good, but at this present moment, I think we're headed in the wrong direction, so my team and I are looking forward to getting things moving in a positive direction,” he said.
Harris, who also represented MLS outfits Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA, Vancouver Whitecaps, Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes, says opportunities for smaller members of Concacaf, including his St Kitts, to grow have multiplied with the Nations League.
“I think that the Nations League is a very good thing for smaller nations to get meaningful matches on a regular basis and I'm looking forward to the next edition,” he concluded.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ets8ma-WgAEbLne?format=jpg&name=small)
https://www.youtube.com/v/Y7QEclr9PnM
https://www.youtube.com/v/WcUx1gCstIo
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Spare a thought for Kun Aguero; he is suffering.
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Gheorghe Hagi: Inside a football icon's plan to restore Romania's glory days
By Emanuel Rosu
BBC Sport
Romania have not qualified for a World Cup since 1998 and have reached the European Championships only twice since 2000, failing to get past the group stage on both occasions. They begin their attempt to qualify for Euro 2024 with matches against Andorra and Belarus this month.
Gheorghe Hagi, who illuminated Romania's run to the World Cup quarter-finals of 1994 and is widely regarded as their best player of all time, is on a mission to transform their fortunes.
"Hagi for president" was chanted by hundreds of thousands back home as Romania beat Colombia, hosts USA and Argentina on their way to the World Cup quarter-finals in 1994. Penalty defeat by Sweden followed, but the wave of unprecedented love towards the nation's football hero lost little momentum.
Two years later, despite Hagi not running in Romania's 1996 presidential elections, people still voted for him. They wrote his name out by hand, with the midfielder getting a few thousand votes, more than some of the official candidates.
Over a 29-year professional career that ended at Galatasaray in 2001, Hagi played for Real Madrid and Barcelona and appeared 124 times for his country, scoring a joint record 35 goals. They called him the 'Maradona of the Carpathians'. He placed fourth for the Ballon d'Or in 1994 and Pele included him in a 125-strong list of the world's best living players in 2004.
Hagi turned to management months after his retirement from professional football. His first job? The Romania national team.
For the 'King', as he is known in Romania, it was a rough start. His side lost to Slovenia in the World Cup qualification play-offs and missed out on a place at the tournament for the first time since 1986.
When he was playing, Hagi could decide everything on his own through an unexpected shot, a mazy dribble or a keyhole assist.
"I had personality, I had good ball control and I was fast," Hagi says. "I grew up with the Netherlands team in the 1970s, with total football. Johan Cruyff was my idol. I wore the number 10 most of the time and I knew what that meant: create a goal or score.
"I wore the number 10 shirt for Real Madrid and Barcelona, two of the best teams in the world. My ambition was always to be the best - that was my biggest motivation."
In management, things seemed more difficult for him. Things did not work out so brilliantly at the start - but the picture is different now.
Now 58, he is the owner and head coach of Farul Constanța, Romania's current top-flight leaders. After jobs at Galatasaray, Bursaspor and Steaua Bucharest, in 2009 he returned to his hometown of Constanța on the Black Sea coast with a bold ambition.
He started an academy from scratch, investing part of his own fortune and borrowing the rest to support the project. More than £10m was injected to fuel his dream: creating a generation that would get Romania in the fight to win the World Cup.
Hagi still entertains during training sessions with his dribbling skills, free-kick masterclasses and passing abilities. He is the king in his castle, with young prospects' faces lighting up as he walks past.
When he started the academy, more than 200 kids from all around the country joined. About 100 staff were hired.
The academy took over a third-tier club, Viitorul Constanța, and quickly won consecutive promotions to the top flight. In 2017 the almost unthinkable happened - Hagi's team won the Romanian title, with cup success following two years later. In 2021 the club merged with the well-supported Farul Constanța, where Hagi's own journey in football began when he was 10 years old.
A big part of the money Hagi earned as a player is now invested in his club. Farul are one of the youngest teams in Europe, with the club's philosophy centred around youth development. Recently, Hagi offered a 14-year-old his top-flight debut.
Over the years, teenagers who have impressed have moved abroad, joining Ajax, Fiorentina, Brighton, and Rangers. Almost half of the most recent Romania squad have a background in Hagi's team, while the percentages in the youth national sides are even more impressive.
One of those who rose through the ranks at the academy is Hagi's son, Ianis. The 24-year-old is now at Rangers, after playing for Fiorentina and Genk.
"A good player can go out and do his job anywhere," Hagi says. "The league doesn't matter. Ianis won the award for Rangers' best young player before his knee ligament injury (in January 2022), so he adapted fairly well. Bad luck with his injury. But if I never got to play in England, maybe he will - why not?
"I had two opportunities to play in the Premier League and I'm sorry I finally missed both. It's a country I like and respect. I'm sure fans would have enjoyed my style."
Tottenham and Newcastle tried to sign Hagi in the 1990s. Cruyff and Barcelona were in the way in 1994. Then Galatasaray tempted him with a big European project close to home two years later.
"I loved Kevin Keegan as a kid - he was one of my idols - so I would have loved to play under him at Newcastle," Hagi says. "But when Cruyff calls you in person and asks you to go with him to Barcelona, it's hard to resist. He said I was his favourite number 10.
"Then I opted for Galatasaray. They wanted to build a team that would challenge for continental success. Also, they were closer to Romania, and I always had the idea to return home after football.
"I wrote a book. I put everything inside about my tactics, my philosophy, about how I see football. You have to start with the basics, do the simple things first, then go step by step towards the more complicated. My motto is: I'm born to win, not just to exist. So I'm trying to apply that in everything I do and I want to inspire those I work with to do the same.
"Cruyff is my inspiration. The way he did things was just amazing. I learned so much from him, from his methods and ideas."
Hagi's academy aims to promote at least two players to the first team each season. The manager doesn't care about the age of those he trains.
"I was lucky enough to have good teachers who accelerated my progress. That's what I want to do myself," he adds.
"This entire academy is my way of giving something back to football because I always felt indebted."
The academy lies just outside Constanța, a city of about 300,000 people situated on the Black Sea coast. Before Hagi's project came to this location it was a field where local farmers used to graze their cows and sheep.
Hagi was promised a new stadium would be built in Constanța, able to hold 20,000 - four times the capacity of the ground the team currently occupy at his academy. The Romanian government will invest almost £100 million into the new project, which should be ready by 2025.
"I returned to Constanța because it's where I was born," Hagi says. "This is my place - Farul made me.
"I am working to create champions. I want to create world champions. I believe in this. I believe in the work I'm doing and in the talent of the Romanian players.
"You need to set the biggest goals and believe tirelessly. Otherwise, you aren't going to do much."