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
Why England? I asked. “I support Germany and this jersey is a gift from a friend.” This is a very popular shirt in this city, and everywhere I’ve been in North America. Before I started this project I’d seen many England jerseys, but it took Omar to be the first to cross my path when I had camera on me. On a first couple of pictures … Continue reading England, Omar
Why Brasil? I asked. “I just like Brazilian football.” I interrupted Ahmed while he was texting, determined not to let him go without a picture. He didn’t need much convincing. Ahmed is from Egypt but he lives in Montreal, again a number of continents meet in a single football shirt. I’ve never seen a guy on the street dressed in a jersey that fits him so … Continue reading Brazil, Ahmed
Why Fener? I asked. “I was born in Turkey and I’m a huge Fenerbahçe fan.” Doran was 4 when his family moved to Canada. He lives in Toronto but visits Montreal often (of course, I was thinking, it’s more fun here). He told me all of this while his friends, tough-looking but surely good at heart, were standing around and checking me out. Fenerbahçe might be … Continue reading FENERBAHÇE, DORAN
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