Football Barbie

It’s a year to the day since football lost one of its favourite sons.

We will never forget you Bobby. Forever in our hearts.

Here are my memories of the man: http://footballbarbie.footballunited.com/?s=bobby+robson

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Beyond The Pitch – Teen Angels.

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Beyond The Pitch – What Are They Doing Training in LA?.

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In almost four years of working for Real Madrid TV, I have written countless reports and colour pieces about the ever-present Real Madrid captain, Raul. But they were always about the infamous number seven scoring another important goal, reaching a memorable milestone or breaking yet another club or league record.

None of them were ever to say Goodbye.

So I won’t deny that it has proved a little difficult to actually know what to write in this post as it seems that there is just too much to say.

16 seasons at the highest level for one of the biggest clubs in the world, 6 league titles, 3 Champions League titles, 4 Spanish Supercups and 1 UEFA Supercup. All time topscorer in the Champions League. All-time top scorer for Real Madrid. Innumerable accolades.

His achievements say a lot.

The respect that his fellow professionals have for him says something.

Praise from the great managers of the game, like Sir Alex Ferguson and Fabio Capello says even more.

All I can say right now is what I saw of the man behind the myth and these are a few of the things that I remember.

via realmadrid.com

During a visit to the presidential palco of the Bernabeu a few seasons back, an Israeli journalist had come to interview Raul for a special report he was making. After greeting all the crew that had come to film it one by one, the Real Madrid captain was introduced to his interviewer. After a few questions about his career with the club and objectives for the coming seasons, the journalist moved on to ask Raul about his family. The club’s press offices were about to intervene when the striker stopped them and said: “Please, it’s fine, it’s okay.” He then proceeded to offer the interviewer some wonderful stories about his life away from the Santiago Bernabeu.The smallest most normal everyday things such as the football games he plays in the garden with his sons. The happiness in Raul’s face and the change in his voice as he talked about his children is something that has stayed with me ever since.

Another special moment I was lucky enough to witness was on the team plane on the way home from the Emirates Cup in London in August 2008. Wesley Sneijder had been badly injured in the pre-season friendly tournament, after a heavy tackle by Arsenal’s Abou Diaby. The Dutch playmaker was stretchered off and it was feared he had a cruciate ligament injury (it turned out he didn’t luckily). Understandably the midfielder was distraught, having worked so hard throughout the whole of the pre-season for it to end like this.  On the plane, Wesley had three seats to himself as his leg was bandaged and he was on crutches.  The players made their way to the seats all around him during the flight to cheer him up. On the seat in front of him, was Raul, knelt up, leaning over the headrest, talking and laughing with his teammate for the whole journey.

But my own encounters with Raul usually involved me armed with a marker pen and a pile of Real Madrid shirts. Whenever my colleagues want something signing or we have signed shirt giveaways on Real Madrid TV, I am often charged with the task of getting the job done. As Raul was usually the first to arrive at training and the last to leave (just as he was at the Bernabeu after a home game), it was not uncommon to miss him. The shirts missing the signature most people wanted most would soon stack up. It would get to the point where I would have to get to Valdebebas as early as possible to catch him arriving just to secure his autograph(s). Taking up to 11 shirts to be signed by the captain of Real Madrid first thing on a work day morning used to fill me with dread and I would apologise profusely before I even asked him to do it. But I always realised afterwards that there really was no need for such emphatic pleas as he never ever minded, and if he did, he never showed it.

These are just a few of my anecdotes about a player who will go down in football folklore, although many have much better stories about the great man than mine and much more to say.  You see I wasn’t there at the beginning, but I was at there at the end. And this is what was said:

Florentino Perez:

“Raul is the captain of Real Madrid, but he is also in charge of his own destiny. He has decided to end his time as a player for our side but we all know this is not goodbye, but a see you later just as it was with our President of Honour Alfredo Di Stefano. Wherever you are, whoever you play for, the shirt of Real Madrid will always be your shirt. Our badge will always be your badge. Our fans will always be your fans. And the Santiago Bernabeu has been and will always be your home. Captain, thank you for all your years giving everything for Real Madrid. We will never forget you, because we never want to forget you.”

Raul:

“To have been a player at Real Madrid is the biggest dream come true. But I am a player and I want to continue playing football for as long as I can. During my time here I have always given 100 per cent. I’ve been loyal and today I would like to reassure everybody that in every run off the ball, every shot, every tackle, I have given everything. I have never understood the words ‘Give up.’”

“Football has been and is part of my life. Real Madrid has been my home and the club in which I have lived some unique moments. Today is a new start for me and I’m going to try and be as happy as I have been during my 16 years at the Santiago Bernabeu. 16 years ago I pulled on the white shirt of Madrid for the first time and today on my final day at the club, my loyalty is just as strong. I will always be there if the club needs me Thank you and Hala Madrid!”

Later in the press conference, journalists openly cried as they asked their questions.

And this is what Raul had to say about one of his best memories over his 16 stunning seasons in white:

“The best was when I went home one Friday on the 28th October and told my mother that I was going to travel with the first team to Zaragoza at 3.30pm. I’d just got home, so I said: ‘Quick! I’ve got to go!’ And my parents were saying: ‘Where are you going? Are you playing with Castilla?’ They weren’t too sure where I was off to! I told my parents I was actually going to travel with the first team and the manager told me that I was actually going to play. Then my dad couldn’t eat his soup! His hand started shaking and he was saying that we would organise things and work things out. Seeing the happiness of my parents and my family and my friends is a really amazing memory.”

It seems that when it comes to Raul, everyone including the man himself has something to say. When I started this post, I thought there was too much to say, but when it came to writing it, I could not find the right words to say.

Though when it actually comes down to it, I think that “Siempre Raul” says it all really.

http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1330009976872/noticia/Noticia/Fans_say_their_last_goodbyes_to_Raul.htm#friendForm

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via realmadrid.com

Sunday was a very sad day for Madridismo as it was announced that Jose Maria Gutierrez was leaving the club he had been with for 26 years.

There are few footballers who make magic with a ball at their feet like this man can and has, and few who embody the spirit and passion for the club they play for like Guti did. The number 14 bled white. He wasn’t just a Real Madrid player, he was a Real Madrid fan, who had no shame in publicly saying he never ever wanted to see Barca win on many an occasion. The words of a true Madridista!

And whether you like it or not, you can’t help but admire that true passion.

And whether you like him or not, you cannot help but admire his football genius.

Guti’s ability to divide opinion among football fans, is as effective as his capacity to single-handedly slice open any given opposition defence. But love him or hate him, there are very few players who possess a footballing brain like his. So many times he sees the pass that no-one else can, but maybe that’s because only he is capable of making that pass.

The often controversial midfielder was often misunderstood, not that that bothered him. His character is too strong to let it. But those who do know him personally and those who have had the pleasure to work with him, know that behind the image that Guti portrays as a famous footballer, is a warm-hearted and passionate individual.

He would always stop to talk to people and journalists he knew to ask them how they were. And whenever children came to visit him at Valdebebas, he had smiles and hugs for them.

Guti - a hit with the mums too!

Despite the intense public demand that comes with playing for Real Madrid, Guti never had any problem stopping to sign autographs, pose for pictures and chat with his fans, whether that was in the street or in a nightclub. The number 14 often got stick for his fondness of the latter, but he rightfully defended himself on many an occasion stating that he was a young man who simply enjoyed going out.

But it was his antics on the pitch at Real Madrid that mattered most to Madridistas and la liga fans, and everyone has their favourite Guti moment.

For many it was a brilliant backheel (taconazo) that he pulled out at Riazor in January. Check out this audacious assist for Karim Benzema against Deportivo La Coruna.

Many others prefer another of his killer passes to a Frenchman from a backheel.

But for me it was the collection of perfect passes that he wowed the whole of the Santiago Bernabeu with, in a game against Sevilla back in the 2006/2007 season. The midfield magician played a part in all three of Madrid’s goals that night, particularly the first two. But it was his assist in the second, Robinho’s goal, that gave us all goosebumps.

The video I found to show you the best bits from that unforgettable evening has had the audio disabled, but it doesn’t matter,  the music that night was made on the pitch.

My guest at the game that night seemed to think he wasn’t a Guti fan before that match; after it, he realised he was. There is actually a word for Guti fans here in Spain…Gutistas! My friend Duncan McMath (a huge Gutista) and I still call it the “Guti game.”

I want to wish Guti the best of luck with his new club and thank him for the memories.

And now and again, from this season on, whenever a Madrid game is lacking a little magic and needs an injection of genius, I’m sure that I, and many others will be thinking…..”this is exactly when we would have brought Guti on and he would have changed everything.”

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Happy Birthday to Madridista legend Emilio Butragueno who is 47 today. The man left us with so many magical memories during his time with Madrid that we never tire of seeing his goals from back in the day. Felicidades Emilio!

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Mallorca are not usually a pushover for Madrid!

A trip to Mallorca to take on Michael Laudrup’s men is first on the agenda for Mourinho’s Madrid in the coming campaign. The two classy coaches will come face to face on the weekend of 28/29 August as the new Primera season gets underway here in Spain. The fixtures were announced on Tuesday after the draw was made at the Ciudad del Futbol in las Rozas, Madrid. But let’s be honest, there are always two dates that are much more highly anticipated than any others in the whole calendar; those that see the two giants of Spanish football, Real Madrid and Barcelona, go head to head . The first Clasico always seems to hit the calendar around the Christmas period and the 2010/11 season is no different. The teams will collide for the first time at the Camp Nou on Matchday 13 which falls on 28th November 2010.

The Santiago Bernabeu will host the grand spectacle on Matchday 32, which falls on 17th April 2011.

The Whites’ first brush with Barca is sandwiched between three difficult home games against Athletic Bilbao (the weekend before) and Valencia and Sevilla in the weeks after it. A trip to Zaragoza falls between the latter two.

Make sure you enjoy your first fix of la liga at the back end of August as the weekend that follows is an international one. But there is a little mid-week action to make up for what you missed when Espanyol come to the Bernabeu on Matchday 4 on Wednesday 22nd September 2010.

The first home game of the season is against Osasuna on 12th September 2010 and the final game of the campaign will also be played with the Bernabeu as the backdrop when Almeria wave goodbye to the the 2010/2011 season with a game against the Madridistas.

And let’s hope it finishes with some silverware for the home side

For all Real Madrid’s fixtures for the 2010/2011 campaign, check out this link:

http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1330009388655/noticia/Noticia/Real_Madrid_s_2010_11_fixtures.htm

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The 2010/2011 campaign is now officially underway for Real Madrid, which means that after a little break and a busy Summer of sunning and sleeping off the stresses and strains of last season, the blog is back. 

Here’s a little of what’s been going on in the last month or so.

Spain are World Champions

Iker Casillas brought the World Cup back to Madrid and here’s hoping it’s the first of many trophies he’ll be lifting in the coming year. Congratulations to all the Spanish national team, but particularly the five Madridista boys involved; Iker, Xabi Alonso, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa and Sergio Ramos- who was voted as the most effective player in the tournament by Castrol. Unfortunately, I was out of the country on the night they won, but back in time for the celebrations the following evening and I can tell you that the city partied in style. To be honest, I think everyone is still celebrating the victory and will be for a long time to come.

Training has begun under Jose Mourinho

Via Marca.com

 The new coach now has the Madridistas – who were not in action with their national sides in South Africa –  at his disposal and started training with them last Thursday. The Portuguese manager is putting the team through daily double sessions. The morning sessions start at 9.30am and the evening sessions at 5.30pm. It’s clear to see that Mourinho is already working on instilling his football philosophy into his new players and on Saturday midfielder Esteban Granero revealed that the workouts are short, but very intense.

The international stars should enjoy the remainder of their holidays while they can!

Two new wonders on the wings

In addition to the signing of Sergio Canales earlier in the year, two more new players will also be wearing the white of Madrid in the coming campaign, wingers Angel Di Maria and Pedro Leon.

Di Maria impressed during his time with Argentina this Summer. The speedy left winger is unstoppable in one on one situations, can curl in great balls from the flank and score goals.

via as.com

Meanwhile over on the opposite flank, prepare to be dazzled by Pedro Leon. Having spent a very successful first season with Getafe last year, the right winger generated a lot of interest from other clubs. He scored eight goals for Geta in the 2009/2010 campaign, some of which were nothing short of spectacular. He’s a set-piece specialist and his pace and skills are an asset for any side. Leon played a crucial role in assisting his former club to a Europa League spot, which is no surprise as the winger is no stranger to making assists, having finished last season as Geta’s top provider with nine to his name.

 Revolving doors

With transfers to different cities and countries and new signings coming in, Real Madrid TV is giving the football team it reports on a run for their money. As some of our presenters move on to pastures new, there will be some new faces on the channel this season. Our longest serving presenter Dan Thomas is leaving for New York to take up a fantastic new role for ESPN and although he will be sorely missed, he is fully deserving of the opportunity. His departure means that you will be seeing a lot more of me on Extra Time this year as I will be presenting 50 per cent of the season’s shows, usually the Thursday edition, and if I can present it even half as well as Dan did then I will be more than happy. Meanwhile Duncan McMath is off to cut his teeth in Barcelona with Gol TV. The best of luck to the boys and to the new arrivals, who you will be seeing much more of in the coming campaign.

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The day of the final started with a trip to the gorgeous Retiro Park in the centre of the city where a veterans match was taking place in the centre of the excellent Champions Festival. A whole section of the park had been allocated to host a wide range of events and family fun related to the final. In the very middle of it all was a mini-football pitch where a group of Spanish veterans took on the rest of Europe’s veterans. Michael Laudrup was probably the main attraction in the latter team, while Emilio Butragueno was the star of the Spanish side. As with most celebrity exhibition matches, it was a very high scoring game. I think it finished something like 21-19 to the Spanish, who knows, I lost count! I have it all in my notes somewhere! After the game I interviewed Paul Breitner and Butragueno in Spanish and ex- Madridistas Christian Karembeu and Steve McManaman-who was brilliant value.

It’s always a pleasure to work with Cesar who was my cameraman for the weekend. We make a good team, though he is far too chivalrous and will not let me carry a thing! Trekking through the park in the Madrid summer heat with a tripod, camera and bag of equipment is no mean feat, but Cesar never complains…..only if I try to lighten the load for him

Did I mention Christian Karembeu also played for Middlesbrough?! He may not have achieved a Champions League winners’ medal with the mighty Boro, but he did still turn out for my hometown club, so that was excuse enough for me to have my picture taken with him. Bumping into ex-Boro players during my travels for Real Madrid is starting to become something of a trend. It was Jaime Moreno in Washington DC in the preseason and now Karembeu. I’m still holding out for the day I cross paths with Fabrizio Ravanelli!

After a break of a few hours in the middle of the day (which was welcome as I had guests here in Madrid), I was at the Santiago Bernabeu to watch the 2010 Champions League Final. The whole first row of seats was allocated to those that were working on the night, but none of the staff who had seats on my row appeared, so there I was sat with a whole row to myself. It was pretty surreal to say the least. Though I must add that I was sat among the Inter fans, which I was pleased about. I have a soft spot for the nerazzuri after going to see the Derby d’Italia earlier this year.

As the Santiago Bernabeu is my favourite venue in the world, it was wonderful to see it full with an equal amount of fans for each side playing, especially with the atmosphere that a Champions League final generates. I cannot fault the fans for both sides either, they were absolutely brilliant; vocal, animated and constantly trying to out-sing one another. I have to admit, the Germans were a tad louder than the Italians, well at least in the first half they were.

Despite the fact that I was pretty much a neutral at the game, I still welled up when the Champions League anthem played as Bayern and Inter lined up, some things just cannot be avoided!

Even though I was convinced Inter would do it, I had my doubts in the first half as Bayern really looked as though they were going to cause an upset. Even after Diego Milito’s first goal, it could have gone either way.

But with the second-half came the second goal (Milito again) and it was pretty much a done deal then. I was delighted to see the Italians win, especially for their brilliant fans and Jose Mourinho-what an achievement for him.

I was sat so close to where the players were celebrating but could not stick around for the party as I had to get back to my guests. I watched the inital celebrations from the top of the stands and then made my way out of the stadium. It was an amazing few days and I promise to never ever take my brilliant job for granted.

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Madrid may not have made it to the Champions League final this year, but the venue of the Santiago Bernabeu wasn’t going to change, which means our services were called upon for Real Madrid TV and UEFA, and I can’t pretend I wasn’t happy to help out! I was given the task (not really the appropriate word) of following Inter Milan. On the Friday before the final, my cameraman Cesar and I headed to Valdebebas where Mourinho and his men were making good use of the excellent facilities. Wesley Sneidjer saw me sat in the stands, he gave me a wave and asked how I was. He’s a lovely lad and he seems pretty happy with his new side which is good to see.

Even though I get to see Real Madrid’s superstars on a weekly basis, it’s always cool to see the big-name footballers you are not used to seeing regularly. Inter has so many brilliant players and I loved watching the likes of Zanetti and Lucio go about their work. The team spirit among the nerazzuri players was really high and it was evident they are a very close-knit side.

It was a boiling hot day in Madrid and in hindsight my black dress was not the best option in the end! Still, there’s no better way to get a base-tan that by sitting and watching Champions League finalists train! I interviewed a number of journalists throughout the day. At Valdebebas, I caught up with Pedro Pinto from CNN and a friend of mine, Jose Luis from La Sexta.

The highlight of the day had to be Mr Mourinho’s presser back at the stadium. There’s never a dull moment with the Special One! During the press conference one journalist offered him a crown to wear at the final, stating that his publication thought that the coach’s nickname was fully deserved. The Portuguese manager took the gesture in good humour and gave up his training jacket as a trade off with the journalist-unfortunately he didn’t put the crown on though!

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