Why Barcelona? I asked. “Spain.” He is a huge fan of Spanish football. And with a reason. Spain currently holds European championship at U-19, U-21 and also, as everyone knows now, Spain is the Champion of Europe. I met Didier a few days before the finals and he knew even then. He had no doubts that Spain will win, again. Didier was born in Montreal … Continue reading BARCELONA, DIDIER
Why Germany? I asked. “I am German.” This was an arranged meeting since I first met Gunnar when he was living here as an exchange student in 2008. Back then he was in Photography program at Concordia University but now is back in Munich and works in IT industry. Now he’s just visiting Montreal and we met for a drink. He is very proud, not … Continue reading Germany, Gunnar
Why Liverpool? I asked. “I had a hefty dose of John Barnes as I was growing up in England.” Only after I started talking to, and taking pictures of, Ben I realized we had met before. Only, at that time, he was wearing Barcelona shirt. These are his true colours though. He was born in Zimbabwe, grew up in London, England and studies at the … Continue reading LIVERPOOL, BEN
Why Portugal? I asked. “I went to visit Portugal. It’s a beautiful place.” I noticed Patrick driving by and then stopping at the local gas station. I walked back and approached him. Patrick doesn’t follow soccer much. He is simply too busy, he says; artist, musician, rapper, all around party organizer. A few years back he visited Boom Festival in Idanha-a-Nova and had a fantastic time, fell … Continue reading Portugal, Patrick
Why Spain? I asked. “My parents are from Spain.” I met Juan Pablo two days before the Euro 2012 finals. He was born in Columbia but lives in Montreal. His parents are from Spain and he has family in Columbia and Peru. Juan Pablo was very confident Spain would win the Euro, and with a good reason now we know. I never asked him why … Continue reading Spain, Juan Pablo
Why Spain? I asked. ” I always pick Spain.” Claude walked out of Metropolis just as I was passing by. He has no family history related to Spain. He told me he has friends there, but he also has friends in Italy, Germany and France. As he was saying this it looked as if the origins of his choice ‘to always pick Spain’ are mysterious even … Continue reading Spain, Claude
Why Zaire? I asked. “I loved 1974 WC Zaire showing and especially the free kick moment against Brazil.” My football memory starts with 1974 World Cup. Very good Yugoslavian team was there, in the same group with Zaire. The tournament was a humiliating experience for the African team. The free kick moment in the game against Brazil was funny, even Mwepu finds it to be so. But … Continue reading Zaire, Tony
Why LGA? I asked. “My parents are from Costa Rica.” It was refreshing to run into someone not wearing a big European club shirt. Our conversation was short but I learned that Liga Deportiva Alajuelense is one of the most successful clubs from Costa Rica, twice the winner of the CONCACAF champions’ cup. Louis Philippe is form Montreal and studies at the Lassalle College. I … Continue reading LIGA DEPORTIVA ALAJUELENSE, LOUIS PHILIPPE
Why United? I asked. “I started supporting Manchester United because of Rooney, but now I realize every Manchester United player is as important as him, and the manager is outstanding.” Dario, even if only 15, takes football seriously. After a short conversation I knew he is a fan for life. He was born in Zagreb, Croatia but is growing up in Brossard, near Montreal. There, … Continue reading MANCHESTER UNITED, DARIO
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
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