Letter of Owen Hargreaves to fans on 2008's end
Dear fans,
As 2008 comes to a close, I would like to reflect a bit on the past year. But first, let me thank all of you for your support, understanding and encouragement in the weeks following my knee surgery.
Your words of comfort have been truly appreciated during this tough time. For the new year I wish you and myself above all health, because health also means happiness as I have learned the hard way this year.
Actually, the year started very well for me. In my first season with Manchester United I was welcomed very warmly by club, team and fans. We had high expectations for the year 2008 and we achieved our goals in impressive fashion. We peaked at the right time in the crucial games in the Premier League and the Champions League. It’s an honour to be part of this wonderful team that last season set new standards on the domestic and international stage.
In my first season I won the league with Manchester United. After all those titles with FC Bayern this was something special, because as a little boy in Canada I always dreamed of winning the Premier League. And another dream came true this year. As in 2001, I played in another Champions League final. You probably remember this unbelievable night in Moscow when we beat FC Chelsea on penalties and became “Kings of Europe”.
However, it wasn’t really a successful year for the national team. We failed to qualify for the European Championships and England with their wonderful fans missed out on the Euro 2008 in the summer. A shame, but with Fabio Capello we now have a coach who personifies success. We have won four out of four in qualifying and it looks like we will make it to the 2010 World Cup.
For me personally, it was a roller-coaster of a year. I’m currently in rehab following my knee surgery. In January the other knee will be operated and then I hope to finally be able to play pain-free again. Like every year I spend the holidays in Calgary with my family where I will try to get some rest and recharge my batteries for the new year.
Christmas is a holiday of love and optimism. In this spirit I wish that we all get and give lots of it. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and all the very best for 2009.
Your
Owen
As 2008 comes to a close, I would like to reflect a bit on the past year. But first, let me thank all of you for your support, understanding and encouragement in the weeks following my knee surgery.
Your words of comfort have been truly appreciated during this tough time. For the new year I wish you and myself above all health, because health also means happiness as I have learned the hard way this year.
Actually, the year started very well for me. In my first season with Manchester United I was welcomed very warmly by club, team and fans. We had high expectations for the year 2008 and we achieved our goals in impressive fashion. We peaked at the right time in the crucial games in the Premier League and the Champions League. It’s an honour to be part of this wonderful team that last season set new standards on the domestic and international stage.
In my first season I won the league with Manchester United. After all those titles with FC Bayern this was something special, because as a little boy in Canada I always dreamed of winning the Premier League. And another dream came true this year. As in 2001, I played in another Champions League final. You probably remember this unbelievable night in Moscow when we beat FC Chelsea on penalties and became “Kings of Europe”.
However, it wasn’t really a successful year for the national team. We failed to qualify for the European Championships and England with their wonderful fans missed out on the Euro 2008 in the summer. A shame, but with Fabio Capello we now have a coach who personifies success. We have won four out of four in qualifying and it looks like we will make it to the 2010 World Cup.
For me personally, it was a roller-coaster of a year. I’m currently in rehab following my knee surgery. In January the other knee will be operated and then I hope to finally be able to play pain-free again. Like every year I spend the holidays in Calgary with my family where I will try to get some rest and recharge my batteries for the new year.
Christmas is a holiday of love and optimism. In this spirit I wish that we all get and give lots of it. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and all the very best for 2009.
Your
Owen