I am from India, a cricket mad nation, where football is confined to 3-4 states and metro cities. But I became a football fan after watching Roberto Baggio’s heroics for Italy in the 1994 world cup. I may never forget his last minute goals for Italy against Nigeria in that world cup. I don’t exact reasons but I subconsciously love Argentina and supported. I felt very bad when I heard about Argentina loss in any sport. My favorite football clubs: 1. Barcelona: They always play exciting football irrespective of results. Spanish Soccer league is always encourages attacking style unlike Italian Series A. Very few watch Italian league in India. 2. Manchester United: Like many Indians, Manchester United is also my favorite club. My favorite Soccer stars (current players): 1. Lionel Messi: Fantastic player. Forget about awards, no player in the International football can compete with him in talent. Soccer God. 2. Carlos Tevez: I like his work ethic. I am watching him closely from West Ham United days. But Alex Ferguson is now destroying his confidence by not giving him enough starts. It is good for him if he moves to another club. 3. Fernando Torres: What an attacking player! Absolute treat to watch. Liverpool is lucky to have him in its ranks. 4. Kaka: Brazil genius. Like Messi, he has natural talent. Like Messi and Ronaldinho, Kaka is another unselfish Latin American with good heart. 5. Maldini (AC Milan) Puyol (Barcelona), Ryan Giggs (Manchester United), Totti (AS Roma), Gerrard (Liverpool) and Janetti (Inter Milan): For their total loyalty, work ethics. How many stars are so loyal for their clubs? How many stars played so consistently over so much duration? All time great footballer: Diego Maradona. He is much better than Pele. He inspired ordinary teams to achieve great things. Just see what happened to Argentina after his retirement. Argentina won the 1986 world cup and reached the finals of the 1990 world cup under Maradona’s inspirational leadership. Argentina missed glorious chance to win the FIFA world cup 2006 due to coach’s lack of belief in young talent. I also like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Villa, Sergio, Ribery, Robben, Iker Casillas and Henry. I have high hopes on Pato (AC Milan), Bojan (Barcelona) and Theo Walcott (Arsenal). Favorite managers and coaches: 1. Arsene Wenger (Arsenal): For his belief in youngster. For his eye on talent. For making football so beautiful to watch. I don’t care about results. 2. Frank Rijkaard (Former Barcelona coach): I like his behaviour. I like his integrity. I like him for making Barcelona an attractive team. 3. Special one (Inter Milan): We need managers like Mourinho to add spice to the dull coaching duties but I don't like style of play. Please share your information about your favorite players, clubs and football coaches.  … [Read more...]