Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The Significance of Jerseys in Football
What is a sport without its colorful jerseys? Not only do they add to the glamor quotient of the sport but in many ways emerge as the real identity of a team. One such sport that simply can not do without jerseys is football. The concept of jerseys gained popularity thanks to the elevation of football or soccer as a global sport and now jerseys are synonymous with football. Think of football jerseys and you are reminded of the English Premier League. Much like the EPL, its jerseys are popular world over.
Jerseys of clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are a rage among youngsters. A walk down the memory lane and the vivid picture of Pele and Maradona donning the famous No.10 jersey flashes in your mind. Every time you talk about Brazil, you think about their yellow jersey and blue shorts. Every time there is mention of Argentinian football, invariably there is mention of the white and blue striped jersey. Such is the significance of jerseys in football and in modern times jerseys have become extremely popular among fans and football lovers.
But one look at the evolution of jerseys and you know that the football jersey was not always this stylish. The traditional football jersey was in fact a far cry from the modern jersey. Numberless and full-sleeve thick cotton t-shirts, knee covering trousers, ankle-high boots, shins worn outside the stockings were a regular sight back in the late 19th century. Yet to evolve as a global sport, football came to be known as a sport of the wealthy and the affluent.
Come the 20th century and football was able to shed its image of being a rich man's sport. Football was slowly turning into a household sport and had struck a chord with the youngsters. Soon changes followed and along came shorts that literally revolutionized the football attire. Far more comfortable than the traditional long trousers, shorts looked cooler and definitely more stylish. In no time the full-sleeve t-shirt had been replaced by the half-sleeve jersey. Very sophisticated, very polished the new football jersey was numbered. Made out of Polyester Mesh, the modern-day football jersey is eye-catching and at the same time, easy on the body.
Realizing the growing popularity of football jerseys among fans, popular clubs like Real Madrid released Replica jerseys for the general public. It was an instant hit and inspired other clubs to release their respective replica jerseys. Since then, replica jerseys have remained hugely popular and are still selling like hot cakes. Selling replica jerseys was a tactical move that saw the football clubs earning sizable revenues and also brought to the fore brand loyalty. Fans could now relate to their favorite clubs and teams and go all out in supporting them. Not only was the concept of replica jerseys beneficial to the clubs but it also bridged the gap between teams and their fans.
Jerseys have always been the talking point and it does not come as a surprise that they generate so much of curiosity and buzz. International jerseys, club jerseys are in big demand and this is perhaps the right time for jersey companies to cash in considering that the FIFA World Cup is on.
Jerseys of clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are a rage among youngsters. A walk down the memory lane and the vivid picture of Pele and Maradona donning the famous No.10 jersey flashes in your mind. Every time you talk about Brazil, you think about their yellow jersey and blue shorts. Every time there is mention of Argentinian football, invariably there is mention of the white and blue striped jersey. Such is the significance of jerseys in football and in modern times jerseys have become extremely popular among fans and football lovers.
But one look at the evolution of jerseys and you know that the football jersey was not always this stylish. The traditional football jersey was in fact a far cry from the modern jersey. Numberless and full-sleeve thick cotton t-shirts, knee covering trousers, ankle-high boots, shins worn outside the stockings were a regular sight back in the late 19th century. Yet to evolve as a global sport, football came to be known as a sport of the wealthy and the affluent.
Come the 20th century and football was able to shed its image of being a rich man's sport. Football was slowly turning into a household sport and had struck a chord with the youngsters. Soon changes followed and along came shorts that literally revolutionized the football attire. Far more comfortable than the traditional long trousers, shorts looked cooler and definitely more stylish. In no time the full-sleeve t-shirt had been replaced by the half-sleeve jersey. Very sophisticated, very polished the new football jersey was numbered. Made out of Polyester Mesh, the modern-day football jersey is eye-catching and at the same time, easy on the body.
Realizing the growing popularity of football jerseys among fans, popular clubs like Real Madrid released Replica jerseys for the general public. It was an instant hit and inspired other clubs to release their respective replica jerseys. Since then, replica jerseys have remained hugely popular and are still selling like hot cakes. Selling replica jerseys was a tactical move that saw the football clubs earning sizable revenues and also brought to the fore brand loyalty. Fans could now relate to their favorite clubs and teams and go all out in supporting them. Not only was the concept of replica jerseys beneficial to the clubs but it also bridged the gap between teams and their fans.
Jerseys have always been the talking point and it does not come as a surprise that they generate so much of curiosity and buzz. International jerseys, club jerseys are in big demand and this is perhaps the right time for jersey companies to cash in considering that the FIFA World Cup is on.
Monday, July 19, 2010
5 Places to Visit in Madrid
Madrid is one of the most popular destinations in Spain, and is a city full of culture and things to see.
Here are just five places of the very many that are must see when you next visit Madrid.
1. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Seating over 80,000 spectators and costing well over a quarter of a billion euros, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is one of Europe's finest football stadiums earning one of the few coveted 'Elite' status from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
It is home to Real Madrid C.F., one of the most famous and highly paid football teams in the world. So if it is possible to get a seat alongside the 'Vikings', the Real Madrid fans, at the stadium when you visit this is an excellent experience.
2. Golden Triangle of Art
Madrid is internationally renowned for being an artistic centre in addition to being known for it's many art galleries. One of the most famous areas for galleries is known as the 'Golden Triangle of Art'. Located in the heart of Madrid, there are three very important art museums that form a triangle.
The most famous of the three, The Prado Museum, built in 1819 features one of the world's most revered collections of 12th century to 19th century artwork. Famous artists to have their artwork featured in the museum include some of the leading 'Spanish old masters' such as Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya and El Greco in addition to artists from elsewhere in Europe including Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Raphael. The other two galleries in the Golden Triangle of Art include the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which is known for it's modern art in addition to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
3. Buen Retiro Park
Originally built as part of a royal family retreat, the Buen Retiro Park or 'Park of the Pleasant Retreat' has history dating back to the very early 16th century.
Located near the city centre and close to the Prado Museum (mentioned above), the park provides a visual feast regardless what time of the year you pay a visit.
The main features of the park include the Rosaleda rose garden, the remains of the Buen Retiro Palace and many statues to some of Madrid and Spain's most famous.
A recent addition to the Bueno Retiro Park is the Forest of the Departed, which was built to honour the 191 victims of the 2004 Madrid attacks.
4. Malasaña
Madrid's answer to New York City's East Village and London's Camden town. Home to the The Madrilenian groove scene or La Movida Madrileña during the late 1970's and 1980's.
Home to many clubs and bars, Malasaña is a must visit if you want to experience Madrid's rich and diverse social scene.
5. The Las Ventas Bullring
For those who grew up outside of Spain, we often see the famous or infamous (depending on what your take on it is) bullfighting battles which pit the matador against a raging bull. Madrid is home to Las Ventas, the largest Plaza de Toros or bullring in Spain. Seating 25,000, Las Ventas also plays hosts to some of the biggest music concerts in Madrid.
Here are just five places of the very many that are must see when you next visit Madrid.
1. Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Seating over 80,000 spectators and costing well over a quarter of a billion euros, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is one of Europe's finest football stadiums earning one of the few coveted 'Elite' status from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
It is home to Real Madrid C.F., one of the most famous and highly paid football teams in the world. So if it is possible to get a seat alongside the 'Vikings', the Real Madrid fans, at the stadium when you visit this is an excellent experience.
2. Golden Triangle of Art
Madrid is internationally renowned for being an artistic centre in addition to being known for it's many art galleries. One of the most famous areas for galleries is known as the 'Golden Triangle of Art'. Located in the heart of Madrid, there are three very important art museums that form a triangle.
The most famous of the three, The Prado Museum, built in 1819 features one of the world's most revered collections of 12th century to 19th century artwork. Famous artists to have their artwork featured in the museum include some of the leading 'Spanish old masters' such as Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya and El Greco in addition to artists from elsewhere in Europe including Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Raphael. The other two galleries in the Golden Triangle of Art include the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which is known for it's modern art in addition to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
3. Buen Retiro Park
Originally built as part of a royal family retreat, the Buen Retiro Park or 'Park of the Pleasant Retreat' has history dating back to the very early 16th century.
Located near the city centre and close to the Prado Museum (mentioned above), the park provides a visual feast regardless what time of the year you pay a visit.
The main features of the park include the Rosaleda rose garden, the remains of the Buen Retiro Palace and many statues to some of Madrid and Spain's most famous.
A recent addition to the Bueno Retiro Park is the Forest of the Departed, which was built to honour the 191 victims of the 2004 Madrid attacks.
4. Malasaña
Madrid's answer to New York City's East Village and London's Camden town. Home to the The Madrilenian groove scene or La Movida Madrileña during the late 1970's and 1980's.
Home to many clubs and bars, Malasaña is a must visit if you want to experience Madrid's rich and diverse social scene.
5. The Las Ventas Bullring
For those who grew up outside of Spain, we often see the famous or infamous (depending on what your take on it is) bullfighting battles which pit the matador against a raging bull. Madrid is home to Las Ventas, the largest Plaza de Toros or bullring in Spain. Seating 25,000, Las Ventas also plays hosts to some of the biggest music concerts in Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the Highest Paid Footballer in the World
Cristiano Ronaldo who joined Real Madrid this season in in a world record transfer fee from Manchester United, is currently the highest paid football player in the world, after a "Top 50" list was released today.
According to the "Football Finance" site, Cristiano Ronaldo, currently with Real Madrid, is the highest paid footballer in the world. The captain of the Portugal team receives €1.083 million per month, or 13 million euros per year. In 2nd position is the Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic, of Barcelona, banking one million euros per month (12 million per year) and in 3rd place comes Argentina's Lionel Messi, captain of the Catalan team, with 875 thousand euros a month or 10.5 million per year.
Spain, England, Italy and Germany are the countries that have the clubs (about a dozen of them) with the best paid players in football today, earning astronomical salaries in an industry that is showing signs of growth once again, with the galactic Real Madrid in the front.
"In a year of recovery after the severe economic crisis that affected most of the clubs, the football industry is showing signs of recovery "begins by saying" the Portuguese marketing agency "Futebol Finance." For 3 consecutive years, that site has renovated and updated the list with the highest salaries of football players. With major changes in relation to the 2008/09 season - the biggest being the creation of a new "Galactic" team by Real Madrid and the newest millionaires, Manchester City, which has followed the same line of Chelsea, of previous years, considerably inflating salaries paid to the players of the "Premier League."
With the most expensive transfer ever in football history, Cristiano Ronaldo of Madeira Island, voted best player in the world in 2009, heads the list, ahead of his "rivals" Ibrahimovic and Messi, both of FC Barcelona. According to the table, in 4th place comes the first player who's not playing in Spain, namely Samuel Eto'o, of Inter Milan, coached by Portuguese José Mourinho. The Brazilian Kaka, teammate of Ronaldo at Bernabeu, takes home 833 thousand euros a month in salary and $10 million per year, composing the "top five."
Spain and England have the top players
In the "Top 50" appear four more players from Real Madrid Galacticos. They are; Benzema (7), Raul (17), Casillas (22) and Diarra (45), the latter with a monthly salary of 416 thousand euros and five million per year. From Barcelona besides Ibrahimovic and Messi, the list contains six "millionaire" names. These are Henry (11), Xavi (12), Daniel Alves (15), Valdez (23), Puyol (37) and Iniesta (38). Still in Spain there are another three players; Kanoute (Sevilla), at 24. David Villa (Valencia) at 30 and Aguero (Atletico Madrid) at 39.
According to the "Football Finance" site, Cristiano Ronaldo, currently with Real Madrid, is the highest paid footballer in the world. The captain of the Portugal team receives €1.083 million per month, or 13 million euros per year. In 2nd position is the Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic, of Barcelona, banking one million euros per month (12 million per year) and in 3rd place comes Argentina's Lionel Messi, captain of the Catalan team, with 875 thousand euros a month or 10.5 million per year.
Spain, England, Italy and Germany are the countries that have the clubs (about a dozen of them) with the best paid players in football today, earning astronomical salaries in an industry that is showing signs of growth once again, with the galactic Real Madrid in the front.
"In a year of recovery after the severe economic crisis that affected most of the clubs, the football industry is showing signs of recovery "begins by saying" the Portuguese marketing agency "Futebol Finance." For 3 consecutive years, that site has renovated and updated the list with the highest salaries of football players. With major changes in relation to the 2008/09 season - the biggest being the creation of a new "Galactic" team by Real Madrid and the newest millionaires, Manchester City, which has followed the same line of Chelsea, of previous years, considerably inflating salaries paid to the players of the "Premier League."
With the most expensive transfer ever in football history, Cristiano Ronaldo of Madeira Island, voted best player in the world in 2009, heads the list, ahead of his "rivals" Ibrahimovic and Messi, both of FC Barcelona. According to the table, in 4th place comes the first player who's not playing in Spain, namely Samuel Eto'o, of Inter Milan, coached by Portuguese José Mourinho. The Brazilian Kaka, teammate of Ronaldo at Bernabeu, takes home 833 thousand euros a month in salary and $10 million per year, composing the "top five."
Spain and England have the top players
In the "Top 50" appear four more players from Real Madrid Galacticos. They are; Benzema (7), Raul (17), Casillas (22) and Diarra (45), the latter with a monthly salary of 416 thousand euros and five million per year. From Barcelona besides Ibrahimovic and Messi, the list contains six "millionaire" names. These are Henry (11), Xavi (12), Daniel Alves (15), Valdez (23), Puyol (37) and Iniesta (38). Still in Spain there are another three players; Kanoute (Sevilla), at 24. David Villa (Valencia) at 30 and Aguero (Atletico Madrid) at 39.
Jose Maurinho As the Coach of Real Madrid
Jose Maurinho is one of the most respected coaches in Europe. This is not only because he knows his job very well, but because he is disciplined and would never take nonsense from anybody. He knows what he wants and demands it, not minding what people would think of him, as long as what he needs would assist him get the needed result.
Jose Maurinho is a pace setter; he is a god father, a disciplinarian and a charismatic coach, whose results speak on his behalf. He may not have been a football player, but as a coach he is fulfilled. He has succeeded where others have failed: he has won several domestic titles and two champions league titles (with FC Porto and Internazionale Milan).
One strong point he has is that he knows how to use what he has to achieve the result he wants. He knows where there are deficiencies and what he needs to cure the deficiency. When he came to Chelsea FC for example, the club was seriously in need of the premiership title, having failed to win it in the past 50years. Maurinho came in, brought in the likes Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Andrea Shevchenko, etc. and won the league back to back, breaking the 50years old jinx. He also won the FA cup, Carling cup and the community shield during his period of stay in Chelsea.
Nobody gave him the chance to win the champions league at Inter-Milan. People had thought that either Barcelona, Chelsea, Man-United, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Olympic Lyon, Liver pool or Bayern Munich would win the league; but coach Maurinho proved them all wrong, defeating Chelsea and Barcelona convincingly along the way. He finally snatched the UEFA champion's league title beating Bayern Munich 2-0 in the final.
Now that he has signed to coach Real Madrid for the next 4 seasons, I see him winning the champions league which Marcello Lippi failed to win with the assemblage of world class players in his arsenal. With players like Christiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Raul Gonzalez, Higuain, Gutti, etc. Jose Maurinho would win several titles (domestic and continental) for the club, if only the club management would give him a free hand to make his selection and to determine the kinds of players to add to the team. Being a very respected coach who takes no nonsense from players, all players would surely give him his due respect and play in the role that they are assigned to play. As the new coach of Real Madrid, Jose Maurinho is set to make history again as he prepares to give them the champions league title which has eluded them for about a decade now.
Jose Maurinho is a pace setter; he is a god father, a disciplinarian and a charismatic coach, whose results speak on his behalf. He may not have been a football player, but as a coach he is fulfilled. He has succeeded where others have failed: he has won several domestic titles and two champions league titles (with FC Porto and Internazionale Milan).
One strong point he has is that he knows how to use what he has to achieve the result he wants. He knows where there are deficiencies and what he needs to cure the deficiency. When he came to Chelsea FC for example, the club was seriously in need of the premiership title, having failed to win it in the past 50years. Maurinho came in, brought in the likes Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Andrea Shevchenko, etc. and won the league back to back, breaking the 50years old jinx. He also won the FA cup, Carling cup and the community shield during his period of stay in Chelsea.
Nobody gave him the chance to win the champions league at Inter-Milan. People had thought that either Barcelona, Chelsea, Man-United, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Olympic Lyon, Liver pool or Bayern Munich would win the league; but coach Maurinho proved them all wrong, defeating Chelsea and Barcelona convincingly along the way. He finally snatched the UEFA champion's league title beating Bayern Munich 2-0 in the final.
Now that he has signed to coach Real Madrid for the next 4 seasons, I see him winning the champions league which Marcello Lippi failed to win with the assemblage of world class players in his arsenal. With players like Christiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Raul Gonzalez, Higuain, Gutti, etc. Jose Maurinho would win several titles (domestic and continental) for the club, if only the club management would give him a free hand to make his selection and to determine the kinds of players to add to the team. Being a very respected coach who takes no nonsense from players, all players would surely give him his due respect and play in the role that they are assigned to play. As the new coach of Real Madrid, Jose Maurinho is set to make history again as he prepares to give them the champions league title which has eluded them for about a decade now.
Real Madrid - The Best Football Club in the World
They are not only the most successful club in the world but also the richest in the world according to the latest survey done by the money league which publish their research results annually. Yes, its true that Real Madrid are the richest club by income for the season 2006-2007 probably for the season 2007-2008 too but the results are not completed yet.
So what makes Real Madrid not only the richest club in the world but more significantly, the most successful as well.Well the statistics don't lie and more often then not speak for themselves. For any club to be successful, only two titles could and should be given credit, The league and the Champions League,the rest are mere formalities as you all know (it does not take much to beat Sao Paulo in a cup final) so I am going to ignore the minor trophies here, lets have a look at most of the major football clubs track records against the Madrid Galacticos.
Manchester United have won only two Champions league trophy, one was way back when it was known as the European cup and the other in 1999,they have 16 league titles.
* Barcelona have also won two champions league trophies and 18 league titles
* Liverpool have won the competition FIVE times and they have 18 league titles
* Inter Milan have 2 champions league titles and 15 league titles
* Ac milan have 7 champions league titles and 17 league titles
There are some other major clubs as well but they have just started to grow so lets just ignore them for a moment.
Finally, Real Madrid has won 9 champions league titles and 30 league titles. Now I have listed all the great clubs of Europe above, not even a single club can match or come close to the records set by the Spanish powerhouse. Thus proving what I stated earlier that real Madrid is the undisputed champion of champions.
Real Madrid is the only team that holds the Cup in property, having won the title five consecutive times.
So what makes Real Madrid not only the richest club in the world but more significantly, the most successful as well.Well the statistics don't lie and more often then not speak for themselves. For any club to be successful, only two titles could and should be given credit, The league and the Champions League,the rest are mere formalities as you all know (it does not take much to beat Sao Paulo in a cup final) so I am going to ignore the minor trophies here, lets have a look at most of the major football clubs track records against the Madrid Galacticos.
Manchester United have won only two Champions league trophy, one was way back when it was known as the European cup and the other in 1999,they have 16 league titles.
* Barcelona have also won two champions league trophies and 18 league titles
* Liverpool have won the competition FIVE times and they have 18 league titles
* Inter Milan have 2 champions league titles and 15 league titles
* Ac milan have 7 champions league titles and 17 league titles
There are some other major clubs as well but they have just started to grow so lets just ignore them for a moment.
Finally, Real Madrid has won 9 champions league titles and 30 league titles. Now I have listed all the great clubs of Europe above, not even a single club can match or come close to the records set by the Spanish powerhouse. Thus proving what I stated earlier that real Madrid is the undisputed champion of champions.
Real Madrid is the only team that holds the Cup in property, having won the title five consecutive times.
The Cristiano Ronaldo Drama Continues
Well, it finally happened. The nonsense with Cristiano Ronaldo has reached the point where it is reminiscent of a serialized television drama, and a rather predictable one at that. Picture the key players: Ronaldo, the young, desirable hero; Manchester United, the woman who currently has him; Real Madrid, the woman chasing him; FIFA, the frustrated school official; and Sir Alex Ferguson, the father of Manchester United. And here is the current installment....
Ronaldo (as Real Madrid stands by smiling): I don't love you anymore, Manchester United. I want to be with Real Madrid now.
Real Madrid: That's right; he wants to play for a real team.
Manchester United: He's mine! You can't have him! I don't want you talking to Real Madrid anymore, Ronaldo. I don't even want to hear the name come out of your mouth!
Real Madrid (as Ronoldo stands by tight-lipped): That doesn't change anything. Everyone knows where his heart truly lies.
Manchester United: FIFA, did you hear Real Madrid? Do something about it.
FIFA (sounding clearly exhausted): Manchester, Real Madrid hasn't done anything wrong. However, Madrid, you do understand that you are toeing a dangerous line.
Alex Ferguson (whispering loudly enough that Manchester United can hear him): If you let Ronaldo go, I am out of here and I won't have anything more to do with you.
*Screen fades to black on all the key players*
And, yes, that about covers the news on Ronaldo this week. He's still quietly letting it be known that he wants to move to Spain. FIFA has made it clear that thus far, Real Madrid hasn't done anything wrong. There has been no breach of contract, and thus legal action can't be taken against the club. In a move that seems like it was designed for the sole purpose of appeasing Manchester United, however, they have sent Real a warning. Of course, since all that has really happened so far is talk, the warning hasn't changed anything.
In fact, all it seems to have done is pushed Real Madrid to do things through more official means. They are reportedly preparing to make a bid of up to £75 million for the winger. Real Madrid is ready to put their money where their mouth is, and it's starting to make people wonder if the powers that be at United can, in fact, be bought.
One of the most important people curious about that fact is Sir Alex Ferguson himself. He's a bit leery that United might sell Ronaldo off if the price is right, and that they would do so without even bothering to talk to him. While he isn't completely against selling the winger, he is furious that he might not be consulted.
The entire situation was turning into a bad joke before last week. Now it has degenerated into a pathetic excuse for a soap opera. Watching the whole thing unfold is this summer's guilty pleasure. Someone needs to tell both scripted and reality television to move over. For real entertainment, all one needs to do is pay attention to this summer's football transfers.
Ronaldo (as Real Madrid stands by smiling): I don't love you anymore, Manchester United. I want to be with Real Madrid now.
Real Madrid: That's right; he wants to play for a real team.
Manchester United: He's mine! You can't have him! I don't want you talking to Real Madrid anymore, Ronaldo. I don't even want to hear the name come out of your mouth!
Real Madrid (as Ronoldo stands by tight-lipped): That doesn't change anything. Everyone knows where his heart truly lies.
Manchester United: FIFA, did you hear Real Madrid? Do something about it.
FIFA (sounding clearly exhausted): Manchester, Real Madrid hasn't done anything wrong. However, Madrid, you do understand that you are toeing a dangerous line.
Alex Ferguson (whispering loudly enough that Manchester United can hear him): If you let Ronaldo go, I am out of here and I won't have anything more to do with you.
*Screen fades to black on all the key players*
And, yes, that about covers the news on Ronaldo this week. He's still quietly letting it be known that he wants to move to Spain. FIFA has made it clear that thus far, Real Madrid hasn't done anything wrong. There has been no breach of contract, and thus legal action can't be taken against the club. In a move that seems like it was designed for the sole purpose of appeasing Manchester United, however, they have sent Real a warning. Of course, since all that has really happened so far is talk, the warning hasn't changed anything.
In fact, all it seems to have done is pushed Real Madrid to do things through more official means. They are reportedly preparing to make a bid of up to £75 million for the winger. Real Madrid is ready to put their money where their mouth is, and it's starting to make people wonder if the powers that be at United can, in fact, be bought.
One of the most important people curious about that fact is Sir Alex Ferguson himself. He's a bit leery that United might sell Ronaldo off if the price is right, and that they would do so without even bothering to talk to him. While he isn't completely against selling the winger, he is furious that he might not be consulted.
The entire situation was turning into a bad joke before last week. Now it has degenerated into a pathetic excuse for a soap opera. Watching the whole thing unfold is this summer's guilty pleasure. Someone needs to tell both scripted and reality television to move over. For real entertainment, all one needs to do is pay attention to this summer's football transfers.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Real Madrid - One of the Best Football Clubs of the Century
Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. It is the most successful team in Spanish football and was voted by FIFA as the most successful club of the 20th century, having won a record thirty-one La Liga titles, seventeen Spanish Cups, a record nine European Cups and two UEFA Cups.
Real Madrid was founded in 1902 and has spent all of its history in the top flight of Spanish football. In the 1940s, the club, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and the Ciudad Deportiva were rebuilt following the Spanish Civil War. During the 1950s, the club was reckoned as a major force in both Spanish and European football.
In the 1980s, the club had one of the best teams in Spain and Europe, winning two UEFA Cups, five Spanish championships in a row, one Spanish cup and three Spanish Super Cups. The team plays on home ground in an all-white equipment. The team also has two more equipments: blue and black. Real's stadium is the 80,354-person-capacity Santiago Bernabeu in downtown Madrid, where it has played since 1947.
The club holds long-standing rivalries with some other clubs; the most notable of these is with FC Barcelona, the two teams regularly contesting the match called "El Clasico". Unlike most European football clubs, Real Madrid's members have owned and operated the club since its beginning. The club is the world's richest football club (EUR351million) in terms of revenue and the second most valuable (worth over EUR950million as of 2008 study).
Real Madrid was founded in 1902 and has spent all of its history in the top flight of Spanish football. In the 1940s, the club, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and the Ciudad Deportiva were rebuilt following the Spanish Civil War. During the 1950s, the club was reckoned as a major force in both Spanish and European football.
In the 1980s, the club had one of the best teams in Spain and Europe, winning two UEFA Cups, five Spanish championships in a row, one Spanish cup and three Spanish Super Cups. The team plays on home ground in an all-white equipment. The team also has two more equipments: blue and black. Real's stadium is the 80,354-person-capacity Santiago Bernabeu in downtown Madrid, where it has played since 1947.
The club holds long-standing rivalries with some other clubs; the most notable of these is with FC Barcelona, the two teams regularly contesting the match called "El Clasico". Unlike most European football clubs, Real Madrid's members have owned and operated the club since its beginning. The club is the world's richest football club (EUR351million) in terms of revenue and the second most valuable (worth over EUR950million as of 2008 study).
Real Madrid - a Brief History
Founded in 1902, Real Madrid Club de Futebol has been one of the superpowers in European football since the middle of the last century. Indeed, they were awarded the honour of "Best club of the 20th century by FIFA, an award for their huge domestic success and also for their domination of Europe. Real Madrid was not always named thus and the "Real" (or "Royal") part of the name was only added after the club received a blessing from King Alfonso XIII in 1920. The club play in a white strip and they are commonly known as "Los Merengues" (the whites). The club's home is at the Santiago Bernebéu stadium in Madrid, it is one of Europe's finest and holds over 80,000 fans and is now also a huge tourist attraction in the city. Since the start of the Spanish national league in 1928, Madrid have never been relegated from the top division.
The start of the clubs success really came under the Franco regime - he saw the club as an excellent propaganda vehicle and poured resource into the club to try to make them a dominating force in Spain and beyond. It is from this point that one of the greatest rivalries in football was born with Catalan club Barcelona. The suppression of the Catalan language and culture by Franco's regime immediately put Barcelona in opposition to Madrid, the team who seemed to represent the dictator's regime and some unsavoury match fixing incidents further soured relationships and made the rivalry all the more fierce.
Probably Madrid's finest period came between 1955 and 1960 when they won an unprecedented five European Cup's in a row. This really put the club on the map as a dominant force in Europe and no club has matched the feat since. Probably the finest display came in the 1960 final where they demolished their German opposition, Eintracht Frankfurt, 7-3. Real have since gone on to win the trophy four more times and this total of 9 is better than any other team. Amongst Real Madrid's domestic honours are a massive 29 league titles and 17 Spanish cup triumphs, equally unrivalled by any team in Spain.
In recent years Madrid have been extremely successful also, famed for the having the resource to buy the most high profile signings, it has seemed like no price tag is too big for Real Madrid. In 2000 they brought in Luis Figo from rivals Barcelona for EUR60million, the following year saw French wonder Zinedine Zidane arrive from Juventus for a world record fee of EUR71million. Further high profile signings were made in 2002 and 2003 when Ronaldo and England captain David Beckham were brought in by the club to further strengthen the squad of stars. This policy of buying the best players has earned Real Madrid the new nickname of "Los Galacticos".
The last few seasons however has seen a minor downturn for the fortunes of the club - three seasons since their last league victory and four since their last European triumph are not going to please many fans of the club. Huge pressure is put on the manager and the last couple of years has seen a fairly quick turnover of staff; this isn't a club that is used to losing so when the results don't come it is usually the manager who catches the bullet. Last season they saw the title go to rivals Barcelona and their European run came to an end against Juventus in the quarter finals - results that aren't acceptable at the Bernebéu and they'll be looking to improve on them this season and bring home some silverware.
The start of the clubs success really came under the Franco regime - he saw the club as an excellent propaganda vehicle and poured resource into the club to try to make them a dominating force in Spain and beyond. It is from this point that one of the greatest rivalries in football was born with Catalan club Barcelona. The suppression of the Catalan language and culture by Franco's regime immediately put Barcelona in opposition to Madrid, the team who seemed to represent the dictator's regime and some unsavoury match fixing incidents further soured relationships and made the rivalry all the more fierce.
Probably Madrid's finest period came between 1955 and 1960 when they won an unprecedented five European Cup's in a row. This really put the club on the map as a dominant force in Europe and no club has matched the feat since. Probably the finest display came in the 1960 final where they demolished their German opposition, Eintracht Frankfurt, 7-3. Real have since gone on to win the trophy four more times and this total of 9 is better than any other team. Amongst Real Madrid's domestic honours are a massive 29 league titles and 17 Spanish cup triumphs, equally unrivalled by any team in Spain.
In recent years Madrid have been extremely successful also, famed for the having the resource to buy the most high profile signings, it has seemed like no price tag is too big for Real Madrid. In 2000 they brought in Luis Figo from rivals Barcelona for EUR60million, the following year saw French wonder Zinedine Zidane arrive from Juventus for a world record fee of EUR71million. Further high profile signings were made in 2002 and 2003 when Ronaldo and England captain David Beckham were brought in by the club to further strengthen the squad of stars. This policy of buying the best players has earned Real Madrid the new nickname of "Los Galacticos".
The last few seasons however has seen a minor downturn for the fortunes of the club - three seasons since their last league victory and four since their last European triumph are not going to please many fans of the club. Huge pressure is put on the manager and the last couple of years has seen a fairly quick turnover of staff; this isn't a club that is used to losing so when the results don't come it is usually the manager who catches the bullet. Last season they saw the title go to rivals Barcelona and their European run came to an end against Juventus in the quarter finals - results that aren't acceptable at the Bernebéu and they'll be looking to improve on them this season and bring home some silverware.
Fantasy Soccer - Player Profile - Raul Gonzalez (Real Madrid)
The heart and soul of Real Madrid in Spain since 1994, Raul has been through it all. Good years, great years, and the rare bad year for Real Madrid.
Raul started out in the rival Atletico Madrid's youth system, but made the switch to Real Madrid's youth system in 1990. He remained there for 2 years until he was called up to play for the top flighted club. He at the time was the youngest to ever play for Real Madrid, making his debut for the side when he was just 17.
As a striker, Raul has had the pleasure of playing with some of the greats to ever grace the game that have made their way in and out of Madrid's ranks. He found prolific partnerships alongside Fernando Morientes, and later with the Brazilian, Ronaldo. To date, Raul has made an astonishing amount of appearances for his club which now number over 700. In addition he has made over 100 appearances for his country of Spain and has found success there as well.
Raul is a constant threat in front of the goal mouth and his hard work and constant effort lead to him capitalizing on some gritty goals. He has scored over 300 times for Madrid and has found his name creep up the all time scoring list, recently just passing the great Alfredo di Stefano. For country, Raul netted 102 times, yet he has been left off the squad list in recent games. Raul is still eligible to be called out and has yet to announce his international retirement.
Not only is he a hard worker on the field, but Raul is also a disciplined one. Through his entire career he has never received a red card. As a reward for his immense effort on the field, Raul was appointed club captain in 2003.
Raul currently has a "contract for life" through Real Madrid, which renews itself automatically as long as the striker plays 30 games in a season.
Though Raul may have lost some of his pace and his touch on the ball is not what it used to be, he is still a threat in front of the net. His constant work ethic has rewarded him, and he appears to be destined to play at Real Madrid at least one more year.
Raul started out in the rival Atletico Madrid's youth system, but made the switch to Real Madrid's youth system in 1990. He remained there for 2 years until he was called up to play for the top flighted club. He at the time was the youngest to ever play for Real Madrid, making his debut for the side when he was just 17.
As a striker, Raul has had the pleasure of playing with some of the greats to ever grace the game that have made their way in and out of Madrid's ranks. He found prolific partnerships alongside Fernando Morientes, and later with the Brazilian, Ronaldo. To date, Raul has made an astonishing amount of appearances for his club which now number over 700. In addition he has made over 100 appearances for his country of Spain and has found success there as well.
Raul is a constant threat in front of the goal mouth and his hard work and constant effort lead to him capitalizing on some gritty goals. He has scored over 300 times for Madrid and has found his name creep up the all time scoring list, recently just passing the great Alfredo di Stefano. For country, Raul netted 102 times, yet he has been left off the squad list in recent games. Raul is still eligible to be called out and has yet to announce his international retirement.
Not only is he a hard worker on the field, but Raul is also a disciplined one. Through his entire career he has never received a red card. As a reward for his immense effort on the field, Raul was appointed club captain in 2003.
Raul currently has a "contract for life" through Real Madrid, which renews itself automatically as long as the striker plays 30 games in a season.
Though Raul may have lost some of his pace and his touch on the ball is not what it used to be, he is still a threat in front of the net. His constant work ethic has rewarded him, and he appears to be destined to play at Real Madrid at least one more year.
The Special One Has Moved to Real Madrid - Who Will Join Him?
The longest rumour has finally happened. Jose Mourinho is in Spain. After a successful season in Italy, the Special One has moved on. He won the Champions League Trophy at Inter Milan last week, and today he now he now the Real Madrid manager.
There are many players rumoured to be joining the Special One at Madrid. At the top of the list is Daniele De Rossi, the player that Liverpool should have signed instead of Alberto Aquilani. De Rossi is a fantastic mid-fielder from Roma in Italy. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are two other midfield players that Jose Mourinho will be looking at this summer. In today's papers Michael Essien is rumoured to be on the verge of joining his former Manager.
Ashley Cole is being tipped to swap the Kings Road at Chelsea for the Sun at Madrid. Cole is probably the best left back in the game. His attacking instincts were honed in at Arsenal. However Cole was reportedly not happy at being the lowest paid player at Arsenal so left for Chelsea, which saw William Gallas going the other way. I think Chelsea got the better deal.
Hot shot strikers include Fernando Torres, but the likely hood of Torres joining Real Madrid is the same as the Charlie Boy becoming the King this summer. More likely will be the transfer of Dider Drogba from Chelsea. Drogba was a star performer under the Special One so will be looking to reunite with his mentor.
Other players include Wayne Rooney. How would Rooney feel to being playing second fiddle behind Ronaldo? That brings a smile to my Liverpool face.
And finally could the Madrid fans see the return of Wesley Sneijder? Most Likely!
There are many players rumoured to be joining the Special One at Madrid. At the top of the list is Daniele De Rossi, the player that Liverpool should have signed instead of Alberto Aquilani. De Rossi is a fantastic mid-fielder from Roma in Italy. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are two other midfield players that Jose Mourinho will be looking at this summer. In today's papers Michael Essien is rumoured to be on the verge of joining his former Manager.
Ashley Cole is being tipped to swap the Kings Road at Chelsea for the Sun at Madrid. Cole is probably the best left back in the game. His attacking instincts were honed in at Arsenal. However Cole was reportedly not happy at being the lowest paid player at Arsenal so left for Chelsea, which saw William Gallas going the other way. I think Chelsea got the better deal.
Hot shot strikers include Fernando Torres, but the likely hood of Torres joining Real Madrid is the same as the Charlie Boy becoming the King this summer. More likely will be the transfer of Dider Drogba from Chelsea. Drogba was a star performer under the Special One so will be looking to reunite with his mentor.
Other players include Wayne Rooney. How would Rooney feel to being playing second fiddle behind Ronaldo? That brings a smile to my Liverpool face.
And finally could the Madrid fans see the return of Wesley Sneijder? Most Likely!
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