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
Why Rayados? I asked. “That’s my home team.” Only seconds into our conversation I learned that her favourite team, Rayados de Monterrey, won their league match in Mexico the day before. Miriam is a true fan. Back in Monterrey she goes to the stadium and gives her team a proper support. She recently came to Montreal with intention to stay for six months and study … Continue reading RAYADOS DE MONTERREY, MIRIAM
Why Argentina? I asked. “This shirt was a gift. Nothing to do with soccer.” He told me I could have a minute of his time. Anthony, an Italian Canadian from Montreal, doesn’t follow soccer, or any sport. Which was curious since he looked to me as an athlete. He doesn’t have any interest in Italian, not even in Canadian sports. He told me: Why would … Continue reading Argentina, Anthony
Why Porto? I asked. “I’m of Portuguese descent.” His parents are from Portugal. I didn’t ask him how to spell his name so I hope I did it right. Given his name, and even his looks, there has to be something Irish in the whole story. Niel is a soccer fan and, inevitably, Mourinho’s name and Porto’s European cup came into the conversation. I walked … Continue reading PORTO, NIEL
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
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