Wow. It's Just That Time.
Note: This'll be a huge post. Two things going on: farewells to those footballers leaving and the reasons I love football. (They go hand in hand, really.) It's also all about football so if ya don't care, just skip over it.
We see players go all the time, some just retire from injury and age (Van der Saar and Lehmann, right?), some leave for personal reasons or retire for family, and some just leave (Xabi Alonso to Madrid, yeah?)
But, wow. When two staples of Real Madrid football just... leave, it stings. I've always loved to watch Raúl play, no matter how bad Real was at the time, no matter if I was pissed that Pelligrini had Ronaldo or Kaka in and not Higuain or Benzema. He was once our one club captain. He was once our fearless example. He may move on to the talented Schalke but he'll always be a Madridista in his Bilbao heart.
Iker Casillas: "[Raúl es] un símbolo del Real Madrid. Un gran capitán se define en las buenas y en las malas, sabiendo dar la cara en todo momento. Es un ejemplo de profesionalidad y me ha hecho crecer como jugador y como persona."
(English: "[Raul is] a symbol of Real Madrid. A great captain is defined in good times and bad , knowing to face all times. He is an example of professionalism and made me grow as a player and person.")
Source.
- - -
As for Guti, I sadly didn't get to see much of him. But when I did see him, it was apparent that he was a gifted individual. For twenty-four years, he was loyal to Real Madrid. He began his football life at 8 in Madrid, fought tooth and nail for our club, befriended so many that he met. He has a gorgeous way of playing and I'm sure it'll be a welcome experience in Turkey.
Sergio Ramos: "[Él (Guti)] se va, sin duda, uno de los mejores jugadores en la historia del Real Madrid. Voy a extrañar mucho porque además de ser un compañero de equipo, es un gran amigo. Es una persona importante en el interior, con un corazón que muchos no saben. Siempre me he sentido cerca de él desde que llegué al Real Madrid, como un buen compañero de equipo que es."
(English: [He(Guti)] leaves, undoubtedly, one of the greatest players in the history of Real Madrid. I'm going to miss him a lot because apart from being a teammate, he's a great friend. He's a major person inside, with a heart that many don't know. I have always felt close to him since I arrived to Real Madrid, as a good teammate that he is.)
Source.
Let's wish them the best of luck at Beşiktaş J.K. and F.C. Schalke!
- - -
In other news, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has officially retired from football. On top of some great Madridistas leaving for bigger and better things, the only Dutchman I like has left. I'm my own words:
Giovanni was a hard, strong leader who refused to give up when the odds were against him. He fought without a fear or care in the world. He could lead any team to greatness, demanding respect and coherence but also trust. Pleasing for so many to watch and for so many to play with, Giovanni will surely be missed. Let's hope he lives a long and happy and prosperous life!
: )
Another sad update is that the new coach for Los Blancos might have to die. If he dares to trade either Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain for Diego Milito, it is on. Certainly, Milito is very talented and would be an adversary for his brother (at Barca) if his brother were put into a match but he's gotten rather old and is just getting himself back up from an injury while both of the aforementioned players are youthful and not injured at the moment *knocks on wood*. I dunno; I hope they stay.
Why I Love Football:
It started when I was a child. My mother was in the U.S. Navy as a nurse, my father was not in the picture at the time, and I was taken care of from time to time by my aunt. (This also fueled my love for pickles.) When she could, my mother would play in the Navy's soccer team as a defender, her number being 4. I'd sit on the sidelines with the coach, a, from the looks of his pictures, very good looking black man, and I'd cheer her on and just chatter like a monkey.
My mother started it for me.
For me, it's always been (since '98) about two nations and three clubs (and recently, my local WPS club):
*doges bullets* Yeah, a Madridista who supports Barca. It's better than the Catalans going to RM pubs in Barcelona. I believe in hollering for Madrid, singing for Barcelona and in the fact that I'll never walk alone.
I believe that red can be furious and that there is a team.
I believe we are the beat!
I first fell for Sergio Ramos. He set me over the top for Spain. Dunno how, dunno when, but I was always smitten with him and Iker and Spain afterward.
During the next couple of years, I phased out of professional soccer and focused on my own career. I became a state-renowned goalkeeper, known for one season of all blue (blue hair, blue jersey, blue socks, blue cleats) and my penalty saves (which always ended in my injury).
I was taken back to the international game when the Euro of '08 rolled around.
Turkey. Spain. Germany.
Turkey: Volkan Demirel (Volcano Ironfist)
He was dark and thick and rough. A goalkeeper.
He was the only one I truly liked on the Turkish team, which my mother adores. (She'll still root for Spain if they went head to head.)
Germany: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Hehe, Schwein.)
German and feisty! Just the way I like the blond ones. :D Can't tell you why I like him so much, I just do. Something about the way he plays...
Lukas Podolski (Who doesn't like the guy?)
Partially blond, feisty, and with a great smile, he got me to like him.
Jerome Boateng (A youngin'.)
Ooh-ey! He's unrelenting in the back and can kick ass if he needs to his way forward. He's got great skill and potential and I can see great things from him in the future. (As long as he stays healthy... *knocks on wood*)
Mesut Oezil (I'm American with an old computer; forgive me.)
Being Turkish and German, he's got to have such a great cultural mix. He's got a handsome look about him that I bet once he gets older, he's gonna be smokin' hot. (Gah, he already is!)
Joachim Loew. (Don't question me!)
I noticed him when my dad said the German coach dresses nicely. I looked, I saw this man that reminded me of the Beatles and I fell. :) He's 50 but still rockin' cardigans like he was 30.
That does it for Germany. :/ I suppose. (I like Sami as well.)
Spain: (We've seen Ramos) Xavi Hernandez
Oh, he's so talented! He's the top midfielder in the world, without a doubt, and from what I've seen from the internet, a great, down to Earth guy. :) Stay cool, Xavi!
Fernando Torres (El Hombre)
The man known in my house as El Hombre (not El Nino) has grown so much. He's become a father, a husband, another name for Liverpool to cheer, and for some, a questionable asset. I have faith in this young striker.
Gerard Pique (This man is my one and only footballer.)
Pique, a defender I used to despise, has become something so indescribable. He plays for my real club's rivals, yeah, and he's also real physical but I think that's why I like him. He's a taboo and oh so young! :D
Xabi Alonso
When he decided to keep some facial hair and actually look good, I knew I'd like him. No, my opinion on him isn't based on his looks but I can't cheer someone on if they look like a shaven dork. He looks good beardy. (So does Iker...)
David Villa
The Hand of God? How about the Footballer of God. This man is phenomenal, no matter where he is on the pitch. He can defend (and body check), he can make plays happen and he can be the one to score goals. He's wonderful. Simple.
Others:
Rory Fallon
Gosh, he was spectacular in the World Cup. I really think that New Zealand got recognized because of his goal and their ability to hold of a team like Italy (they didn't play very well but still).
Lucas Neill
A beastly defender and captain! I wish he'd come back to the EPL (or maybe even La Liga) so I could watch him play. :( Turkish teams are unavailable.
Fabio Cannavaro
Another captain, this time for the Azzuri, he's also a fantastic player. I loved to see him hold that one Italian player after their elimination.
Carlos Bocanegra
He was great this World Cup, our captain. :D I enjoy looking at him and watching him play.
Sergi Busquets
You guys, it's Sergi. He's so... Gah, if you don't understand, you won't.
EDIT: More menses and a woman?
Esteban Granero
Oh, the dear Pirate. I liked him since I first saw him taking a corner kick. Geez, I dunno why. He looks nice. :)
Gonzalo Higuain
The only Argie I'll root for. Dunno why I can't like Messi, granted that he's talented, and Romero is a young delicacy but I just admire Higuain for some reason.
Hope Solo
I'm known around my family and friends for loving black people (they're so beautiful) but I swear, gorgeous and talented and living here in my small city, Hope Solo is my lady!crush. Gah, I want to go to that Atlanta Beat match...
And, I guess, that wraps it up. My love for the game will never stop growing and it'll never dwindle.
This isn't for footballverse, this is so anyone who wants to can get to know me a bit more. :)
We see players go all the time, some just retire from injury and age (Van der Saar and Lehmann, right?), some leave for personal reasons or retire for family, and some just leave (Xabi Alonso to Madrid, yeah?)
But, wow. When two staples of Real Madrid football just... leave, it stings. I've always loved to watch Raúl play, no matter how bad Real was at the time, no matter if I was pissed that Pelligrini had Ronaldo or Kaka in and not Higuain or Benzema. He was once our one club captain. He was once our fearless example. He may move on to the talented Schalke but he'll always be a Madridista in his Bilbao heart.
Iker Casillas: "[Raúl es] un símbolo del Real Madrid. Un gran capitán se define en las buenas y en las malas, sabiendo dar la cara en todo momento. Es un ejemplo de profesionalidad y me ha hecho crecer como jugador y como persona."
(English: "[Raul is] a symbol of Real Madrid. A great captain is defined in good times and bad , knowing to face all times. He is an example of professionalism and made me grow as a player and person.")
Source.
- - -
As for Guti, I sadly didn't get to see much of him. But when I did see him, it was apparent that he was a gifted individual. For twenty-four years, he was loyal to Real Madrid. He began his football life at 8 in Madrid, fought tooth and nail for our club, befriended so many that he met. He has a gorgeous way of playing and I'm sure it'll be a welcome experience in Turkey.
Sergio Ramos: "[Él (Guti)] se va, sin duda, uno de los mejores jugadores en la historia del Real Madrid. Voy a extrañar mucho porque además de ser un compañero de equipo, es un gran amigo. Es una persona importante en el interior, con un corazón que muchos no saben. Siempre me he sentido cerca de él desde que llegué al Real Madrid, como un buen compañero de equipo que es."
(English: [He(Guti)] leaves, undoubtedly, one of the greatest players in the history of Real Madrid. I'm going to miss him a lot because apart from being a teammate, he's a great friend. He's a major person inside, with a heart that many don't know. I have always felt close to him since I arrived to Real Madrid, as a good teammate that he is.)
Source.
Let's wish them the best of luck at Beşiktaş J.K. and F.C. Schalke!
- - -
In other news, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has officially retired from football. On top of some great Madridistas leaving for bigger and better things, the only Dutchman I like has left. I'm my own words:
Giovanni was a hard, strong leader who refused to give up when the odds were against him. He fought without a fear or care in the world. He could lead any team to greatness, demanding respect and coherence but also trust. Pleasing for so many to watch and for so many to play with, Giovanni will surely be missed. Let's hope he lives a long and happy and prosperous life!
: )
Another sad update is that the new coach for Los Blancos might have to die. If he dares to trade either Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain for Diego Milito, it is on. Certainly, Milito is very talented and would be an adversary for his brother (at Barca) if his brother were put into a match but he's gotten rather old and is just getting himself back up from an injury while both of the aforementioned players are youthful and not injured at the moment *knocks on wood*. I dunno; I hope they stay.
Why I Love Football:
It started when I was a child. My mother was in the U.S. Navy as a nurse, my father was not in the picture at the time, and I was taken care of from time to time by my aunt. (This also fueled my love for pickles.) When she could, my mother would play in the Navy's soccer team as a defender, her number being 4. I'd sit on the sidelines with the coach, a, from the looks of his pictures, very good looking black man, and I'd cheer her on and just chatter like a monkey.
My mother started it for me.
For me, it's always been (since '98) about two nations and three clubs (and recently, my local WPS club):
*doges bullets* Yeah, a Madridista who supports Barca. It's better than the Catalans going to RM pubs in Barcelona. I believe in hollering for Madrid, singing for Barcelona and in the fact that I'll never walk alone.
I believe that red can be furious and that there is a team.
I believe we are the beat!
I first fell for Sergio Ramos. He set me over the top for Spain. Dunno how, dunno when, but I was always smitten with him and Iker and Spain afterward.
During the next couple of years, I phased out of professional soccer and focused on my own career. I became a state-renowned goalkeeper, known for one season of all blue (blue hair, blue jersey, blue socks, blue cleats) and my penalty saves (which always ended in my injury).
I was taken back to the international game when the Euro of '08 rolled around.
Turkey. Spain. Germany.
Turkey: Volkan Demirel (Volcano Ironfist)
He was dark and thick and rough. A goalkeeper.
He was the only one I truly liked on the Turkish team, which my mother adores. (She'll still root for Spain if they went head to head.)
Germany: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Hehe, Schwein.)
German and feisty! Just the way I like the blond ones. :D Can't tell you why I like him so much, I just do. Something about the way he plays...
Lukas Podolski (Who doesn't like the guy?)
Partially blond, feisty, and with a great smile, he got me to like him.
Jerome Boateng (A youngin'.)
Ooh-ey! He's unrelenting in the back and can kick ass if he needs to his way forward. He's got great skill and potential and I can see great things from him in the future. (As long as he stays healthy... *knocks on wood*)
Mesut Oezil (I'm American with an old computer; forgive me.)
Being Turkish and German, he's got to have such a great cultural mix. He's got a handsome look about him that I bet once he gets older, he's gonna be smokin' hot. (Gah, he already is!)
Joachim Loew. (Don't question me!)
I noticed him when my dad said the German coach dresses nicely. I looked, I saw this man that reminded me of the Beatles and I fell. :) He's 50 but still rockin' cardigans like he was 30.
That does it for Germany. :/ I suppose. (I like Sami as well.)
Spain: (We've seen Ramos) Xavi Hernandez
Oh, he's so talented! He's the top midfielder in the world, without a doubt, and from what I've seen from the internet, a great, down to Earth guy. :) Stay cool, Xavi!
Fernando Torres (El Hombre)
The man known in my house as El Hombre (not El Nino) has grown so much. He's become a father, a husband, another name for Liverpool to cheer, and for some, a questionable asset. I have faith in this young striker.
Gerard Pique (This man is my one and only footballer.)
Pique, a defender I used to despise, has become something so indescribable. He plays for my real club's rivals, yeah, and he's also real physical but I think that's why I like him. He's a taboo and oh so young! :D
Xabi Alonso
When he decided to keep some facial hair and actually look good, I knew I'd like him. No, my opinion on him isn't based on his looks but I can't cheer someone on if they look like a shaven dork. He looks good beardy. (So does Iker...)
David Villa
The Hand of God? How about the Footballer of God. This man is phenomenal, no matter where he is on the pitch. He can defend (and body check), he can make plays happen and he can be the one to score goals. He's wonderful. Simple.
Others:
Rory Fallon
Gosh, he was spectacular in the World Cup. I really think that New Zealand got recognized because of his goal and their ability to hold of a team like Italy (they didn't play very well but still).
Lucas Neill
A beastly defender and captain! I wish he'd come back to the EPL (or maybe even La Liga) so I could watch him play. :( Turkish teams are unavailable.
Fabio Cannavaro
Another captain, this time for the Azzuri, he's also a fantastic player. I loved to see him hold that one Italian player after their elimination.
Carlos Bocanegra
He was great this World Cup, our captain. :D I enjoy looking at him and watching him play.
Sergi Busquets
You guys, it's Sergi. He's so... Gah, if you don't understand, you won't.
EDIT: More menses and a woman?
Esteban Granero
Oh, the dear Pirate. I liked him since I first saw him taking a corner kick. Geez, I dunno why. He looks nice. :)
Gonzalo Higuain
The only Argie I'll root for. Dunno why I can't like Messi, granted that he's talented, and Romero is a young delicacy but I just admire Higuain for some reason.
Hope Solo
I'm known around my family and friends for loving black people (they're so beautiful) but I swear, gorgeous and talented and living here in my small city, Hope Solo is my lady!crush. Gah, I want to go to that Atlanta Beat match...
And, I guess, that wraps it up. My love for the game will never stop growing and it'll never dwindle.
This isn't for footballverse, this is so anyone who wants to can get to know me a bit more. :)