Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, or Ronaldinho to most of us, is arguably one the 21st century’s greatest players. A player who innovated the game as we know it today; a player who was influential in creating the current dominance by Barcelona in European football and a player who can boast two FIFA World Player of the Year awards to his list of achievements.
31st of August and 31st January are two days each year which could easily gain national holiday status. Across the country men and women of all ages are gripped from the minute they wake up till the minute they go to sleep by the transfer deadline day saga. All PCs, televisions and phones are tuned into Sky Sports News showing live updates with a dramatic aura.
Cannes, one of the shining jewels on the French Riviera or the Cote D’Azur as it is known locally. The millionaire’s playground most famous for its annual world renowned film festival is a city which attracts celebrities and tourists in their hordes.
On 31st January 2011 the British transfer record was smashed by Chelsea, signing Fernando Torres for £50million on a five-and-a-half year contract. That same day Andy Carroll’s move from Newcastle to Liverpool for £35million made him the most expensive British footballer in the game. At first glance Chelsea had signed one of the world’s most prolific goal scorers for only £15million more than Liverpool’s deal for a young unproven 22 year old striker. Carroll’s inexperience is illustrated by the fact that he had only one season of Premiership experience.
Arsenal FC, a club who have been at the pinnacle of English and European football for over twenty years, a club who have harboured some of the Premier League’s most talented players and have one of the most decorated youth set-ups in Europe.
Mario Balotelli, the twenty year-old Italian starlet of Ghanaian decent, portrayed by many as football’s answer to a pantomime villain, undoubtedly talented but making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
It is fair to say that Blackpool Football Club’s 124 year history has endured the kind of ups and downs you would expect to see on the pleasure beach which the city has become famous for. There has been little to cheer about on the Lancashire Coast since the seasiders relegation from the old First Division in the 1970-71 season and the glory days of the “Matthews Final” FA Cup win in 1953 were a thing of legend to the young Blackpool fans coming through the ranks; success of such a level could only be dreamt of by many.