Why Lyon?, I asked. ” I love the feel of the team. My family originates from that part of France.” It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and St. Catherine street was packed with people when out of the crowd emerged Luc. He appeared surprised and amused that someone would want to photograph him just because he wears a soccer jersey. Quite a few times during … Continue reading OLYPMIQUE LYONNAIS, LUC
Why Milan?, I asked. “I like it because of that striker. I forgot his name.” No wonder he can’t remember the striker’s name. Last time I’ve been drinking what Soe is drinking on a hot and humid summer day I had serious difficulties recalling anything. Thai rice whiskey, although less than 30 degree strong is a dangerous thing. The myth, truthless as only a myth can be, says … Continue reading MILAN, SOE
“Why Roma?”, I asked. “Gialla com er sole, rosso come er come mio! Chi tifa Roma non perde mai.” (Yellow like the sun, red as my heart! Who supports Roma never loses.) When recently Lazio beat Roma (Senad Lulic, 71min) in the finals of the Italian cup, my natural reaction was to immediately send Dario a teasing text message saying that such a tragedy happens only … Continue reading ROMA, DARIO
This is a fantastic news for all of you Footballists fans: Damir Šagolj, a friend, and a reporter who works for Reuters news agency and is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand, joins Footballists and will be our regular contributor. Here is his first post. Enjoy! Why Arsenal? I asked myself. “Because Samir brought me this shirt.” Indeed, although it is bit awkward for one displaced … Continue reading ARSENAL, DAMIR
Why Timão? I asked. “When I was a kid I looked at all the symbols and colors of different Sao Paolo clubs and I liked Corinthians’ best.” And, as he added later, a few family members helped with that decision. In Sao Paolo, it could be difficult to choose with Palmeiras, São Paulo, Santos, Corinthians and probably a few other clubs existing in the same city. Kim was 5 years … Continue reading CORINTHIANS, KIM
Why Barca? I asked. “When you’re watching Barca play you know you’re watching real football.” Just like Seif, who I met the same day, Zakaria comes from Algeria and is a big Barcelona fan. The encounter was brief just like the most of them, and we didn’t get to talk much, but Zakaria was all smiles and sometimes that’s all it matters. Continue reading BARCELONA, ZAKARIA
Why Brazil? I asked. “I bought it on e-bay. You see, it’s half black and half white, anti-racism jersey.” I met Alex at the Mondial de la bière where he was working. I have a soft spot for people going to work in a soccer shirt. And this is not your ordinary jersey but a special Anti-Racism edition. Alex bought the one with Pelé’s name on … Continue reading Brazil, Alex
Why Barca? I asked. “It’s the best team in the world and they have Messi.” I came out of the metro as he was about to go down the hole. Even though in a hurry, Seif graciously gave me a few minutes of his time. He is from Algeria but lives in Montreal and studies engineering at l’École Polytechnique. He had no doubts that Barcelona … Continue reading BARCELONA, SEIF
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