Why Man United? I asked. “I like Rooney.” I might not like Rooney but I understand how a kid growing up in the last decade would start supporting Man United, considering all the success the club has had. Kiernan plays hockey, and plays it well, but he also follows soccer. I would never swap my shirt with him but I would definitely trade my hair … Continue reading MANCHESTER UNITED, KIERNAN
Why Chelsea? I asked. “Back in school days, my French teacher was a Chelsea fan, and somehow I got into supporting them as well.” This Sunday I walked into a local pub to watch Chelsea-Liverpool. There was already a group of guys with the same idea, some in LFC and some in Chelsea shirts. It was a particular pleasure, at halftime, after Maxi gave Liverpool … Continue reading CHELSEA, JASON
Why Spurs? I asked. “It’s my team and I like the shirt.” I found the answer a bit odd since once you like the club you must love the shirt regardless of how ugly, or beautiful, it could be. But there was no opportunity to talk about Andrew’s motives a bit further. He, just like the rest of this Chicago crew shows up every Saturday … Continue reading TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR, ANDREW
Why Inter? I asked. “I lived in Milano when Ronaldo played for Inter and I started supporting the club.” Yes, the real Ronaldo (not that other guy) was a great player and I can see how one could become Internazionale fan in his days. Zain studies physics and coaches a hockey team for which my son plays. He proudly wears his Movember moustache. While the moustaches are temporary, this jersey has been … Continue reading INTERNAZIONALE, ZAIN
Why Juventus? I asked. “I played for an Italian team here in Chicago when I was younger.” So it could have been any other Italian team jersey. The guys get together every Saturday at 7h30, throughout the year, to play. This time it was a beautiful November morning but that’s going to change soon; they will keep coming though. I was there to watch, my torn … Continue reading JUVENTUS, TERRY
Why Liverpool? I asked, even though I knew the answer. “Keegan, Toshack… I was a kid. Do I need to say more?” This is my second and last post from the road, from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sanjin, a football encyclopedia disguised into a man, must be the biggest Liverpool fan outside of Liverpool, and the most knowledgable when it comes to the Reds. Together, this Saturday, we … Continue reading LIVERPOOL, SANJIN
Why Barcelona? I asked. “It’s my favourite team since I was a kid.” Hodovo is a small village in Herzegovina, near the town of Stolac, not too far away from the city of Mostar which is about two hours drive from Sarajevo. My friend and I were in search of medieval cemeteries (another project) and had to return back from the desired destination since we … Continue reading BARCELONA, TOMISLAV
Why Greece? I asked. “My family is Greek and I got the shirt when I visited Greece after they had won European Championship.” Yes, Greece’d won the Euro, still hard to believe it. No matter what tactics they used to get there, not always a joy to watch, it is an admirable thing. Sam is a great kid, born in Montreal, but proudly shares his origins. … Continue reading Greece, Sam
Why City? I asked. “That is my name on the back of the shirt.” I was watching Sean from the other side of the street as he was about to walk into McDonalds. Thankfully he changed his mind and started walking down St. Catherine. I ran across and caught him as he was crossing Guy. Sean Silva was born in Montreal. His parents come from … Continue reading MANCHESTER CITY, SEAN
Why Juventus? I asked. “That was the very first club I watched as a child and I fell in love with it.” Elie could consider himself lucky, the first team he watched could have been Lazio. I was wondering where are the Italians. It’s been more than a month I’ve been doing this and I haven’t seen a single Italian shirt. Then Elie showed up. My … Continue reading JUVENTUS, ELIE
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