Why Barca? I asked. “I hate Barcelona. My club is Chelsea.” In front of a local carwash, this Labour day early morning, John and his two colleagues were waiting for the first customers to arrive. As I passed by I just said “Nice shirt” with my thumbs up. “No, not really.” he replied to my surprise. After he told me that Chelsea is his team I asked, obviously, why … Continue reading BARCELONA, JOHN
Why Liverpool?, I asked many times and got always the same answer in a language I don’t speak with the attitude I understand perfectly. There is no need for translation – a raised eyebrow and a pose of someone who will never give up speak volumes. I know Khun Suarez for many years. He is one of tough motorcycle taxi drivers working in my … Continue reading LIVERPOOL, SUAREZ
Why Chelsea? I asked. “It’s my team ever since I was a kid.” For a few blocks we were overtaking each other at intersections, Nick on his skateboard and I on my bicycle. Finally, we were stopped by a red light and I asked him about his jersey. Nick was just visiting, for a weekend, from Toronto, and doesn’t have much time for soccer. Then … Continue reading CHELSEA, NICK
Why Manchester City? I asked. “Mancini! Because of him.” Wait a second! Did he really say Mancini, Roberto Mancini? Will someone, please, stop this ferry – I’m afraid otherwise very smart and beautiful boy is not feeling well and he might need some assistance. I asked again, he said “because of Mancini” again. I know, Myanmar is just waking up from decades of isolation and can … Continue reading MANCHESTER CITY, NAING
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 Chelsea? I asked. “I like Chelsea and Michael Essien.” Ebenezer Adu Twum, or Ebby, is everything this blog is about. He was born in Ghana, lives in Italy, supports an English club and is currently on a few weeks student exchange in Montreal (so we could meet). I suspect he supports Chelsea primarily because Michael Essien plays there. He is not alone in following … Continue reading CHELSEA, EBBY
Why Chelsea? I asked. “I was 11. Man United won a title and the day after all my friends in school were Man United fans. I went home that day and told my father ‘I like Manchester United.’ My father looked at me and said ‘No, you like Chelsea!’” And Daniel does like Chelsea to this day. I would like to meet his father; Daniels’ … Continue reading CHELSEA, DANIEL
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 Chelsea? I asked. “I don’t know, I just like Chelsea.” Sometimes we simply don’t know why we favour a particular team over all the others. Especially if that team is Chelsea; I would imagine it can be hard to come up with a good reason, unless one was born around Stamford Bridge. This nice fellow Eric is from Toronto though, and only visiting Montreal. When … Continue reading CHELSEA, ERIC
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