Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
"If you take the long view with Chelsea — the view that starts on the day Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003 — the amazing thing isn't that they won the Champions League but that they won it the way they did – as underdogs"
When the celebrations are concluded and Chelsea are dragged back to reality after the dream sequences played out in Bavaria, Abramovich must decide on the futures of Di Matteo and Drogba. History suggests he doesn't do sentiment
World's most popular sport is deeply corrupt. Football (soccer) "match fixing has become a massive worldwide crime, on par with drug trafficking, prostitution and the trade in illegal weapons." A key fixer says he'll lift the lid
Conn grew up supporting Manchester City. Now they've won the Premier League title, 44 years after their last championship. Here's what it means to be a City fan, and what Sheikh Mansour's millions have done to the club
On the American coach of Egypt's national side. "His team has no home. His players have no league. His new country has no leader. It's no wonder Ahmed Hassan, Egypt's all-time leader in caps, said recently 'God help Bob Bradley'"
"As his friend, I am really upset for Kenny because I know just what it meant for him to be back at Anfield." It's the only place he wanted to be and he poured his heart and soul into the place
Interview with Wayne Rooney. Top footballers think like snooker players, he says. Always three or four moves ahead. Visualising movement, finding space. At the end you're at least as tired mentally as physically
American converted to watching English football tells of friend who got him hooked, and trip to Old Trafford with his friend's ashes for Manchester derby. And that goal (Warning: He's liberal with the swearing)
"What can never be captured on the black and white pages of the record books is the effect this day will have on all those who were present, its ramifications for the English game, the simple joy it brought, the shock of the new"
Sir Alex Ferguson signed Bébé for £7.2m in 2010 but he started just two matches. Ferguson later admitted he hadn't seen Bébé play, not even on video, before signing him. Now Portuguese police are investigating the transfer
"Football serves a deep human need for community, and that – plus the unscripted drama of the game – explains its success. It's why a co-operative form is a perfect fit with football." The game's authorities should recognise this
On goal celebrations in football. And the difference between Brazil, where planning elaborate goal celebrations has become a cottage industry, and Guardiola's Barcelona, where such things were disapproved of
