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
Why Impact? I asked. “It’s Montreal, man!” The spring is back in town, even if temporarily. I took my first long walk today and spotted this young fellow in Montreal Impact, or Impact de Montréal, shirt. His car had a flat tire so he couldn’t run away. It is fitting for my first spring encounter to wear this shirt. Just two days ago the Impact … Continue reading MONTREAL IMPACT, JAMIE
Why Arsenal? I asked. “My father is a big Arsenal fan and that’s how it started.” It was about time to meet my first Arsenal shirt. James was born in the New York City where his father, who is obviously responsible for his support to Arsenal, still lives. James visits NYC often where he hangs out in pubs that have a big Arsenal fan base, to … Continue reading ARSENAL, JAMES
The Footballists blog has been online for 6 months and I would love to thank all who visited, embraced it, commented, subscribed to it and promoted it elsewhere. In it’s first six months of existence there were more than 36 000 visits, a few more than 300 subscribers, numerous comments and emails of support. At one point we held the first place for a full … Continue reading FOOTBALLISTS – First Six Months
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