Why PSG? I asked. “That’s my home team.” Olivier came from Paris just a few days ago to spend some time with his cousin Nicolas, and his nephew Noah. I asked if he is considering staying in Montreal and he replied, with a grin, how Nicolas is trying to talk him into it. The family dress code is obvious and Noah looks awesome in his PSG shirt. … Continue reading PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, OLIVIER and NOAH
Why PSG? I asked. “That’s where I come from.” What a thrill to run into a group of people, on a busy Montreal street, all wearing Paris Saint-Germain shirts as if they are going to the game to Parc des Princes. Only Parc des Princes is a few thousand kilometers away. Nicolas came to live in Montreal in 1995 but has never lost his sentiments for … Continue reading PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, NICOLAS
Why Gremio? I asked. “That’s my home team.” Today I got to face my first rejection. It was from a young man wearing Arsenal shirt. We actually had a nice chat, talked about today’s news and Sir Alex Ferguson retiring, but he would not want me to photograph him. Some future Arsenal fans, that I’ll meet, better make it up for this guy. Refusing to … Continue reading GREMIO, OTAVIO
Why Chelsea? I asked. “My uncle lived in England in the 80’s and became a fan. So it’s in the family now.” Agonizingly long winter is finally over and the time has come for football/soccer fans to come out in their jerseys. So today I walked my dog, the camera in my bag, wearing my LFC shirt only. I was walking by a group of young … Continue reading CHELSEA & MONTREAL IMPACT, NICK
Why PSG? I asked. “That’s my heart club. I come from Paris.” When I moved to Montreal 13 years ago one of the first people I met was my neighbour who came from Toulouse. After I had told him that I come from Sarajevo he started screaming “Safet Susic, Safet Susic!!!” and dribbling an imaginary ball. Only then I realized how big of a player … Continue reading PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, FABRICE
Why Brasil? I asked. “I have the shirt for a long time and just decided to wear it today.” I saw him at the ATM inside the bank and waited patiently outside. Darren, just like every other person in a soccer shirt, was happy to have his photograph taken. He came from Ontario to study in Montreal. He told me how he bought the jersey … Continue reading Brazil, Darren
Why Atletico? I asked. “Because Falcao plays there.” David is Colombian. I met him as he was running home to watch Colombia-Urugway WC qualifier. He came to Montreal to study Art and Literature at Lassale college. He’s hoping to get into Concordia’s art program next year. We had a short rant about Real Madrid as he was unhappy that Real gets all the attention while … Continue reading ATLETICO MADRID, DAVID
Why Bayern Munich? I asked. “I love Bayern.” He was sitting on a bench with two friends, a cup of Tim Hortons’ coffee in his hand. It looked as if this is his daily routine but Mohammed came to Montreal, from Jordan, only two days ago. He will be studying engineering at the Concordia University. That Tim Hortons’ might have been his first ever, I thought. … Continue reading BAYERN MUNICH, MOHAMMED
Why Norwich? I asked. “I come from over there.” At the same event where I met Dan, I saw Christian as he was pulling a blue shirt over his jersey. He was kind enough to reverse the action so I can photograph him. He came to the New York City 6 years ago but his passion for the home team does not diminish with time. … Continue reading NORWICH CITY, CHRISTIAN
Why Milan? I asked. “It’s the best club in the world.” This was a very brief encounter since we both had a job to do. I was in the Armory building, a beautiful Track & Field Center in NYC. In the sea of blue shirts it was easy to spot Dan who resisted much longer than others to put the blue shirt over his jersey. … Continue reading MILAN, DAN
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