17. Football comes second to matters of life and death.
While football does consume such a huge part of a lot of people’s lives, when a tragedy occurs within the sport, everyone together steps back and gives respect. Regardless of nationality or club, we remember that, at the end of the day, football is just a game. And so the way that the footballing community comes together in difficult times, such as the Munich air disaster, the Hillsborough disaster, or even the collapses of Muamba or, fatally, Foé (who unfortunately is not the only player to have died following a collapse on the pitch) is remarkable and heart warming. These tragedies will never be forgotton, the players always remembered, and a show of respect always given. By everyone.
18. For every successful transfer, there is a flop.
Now there have been a lot of top players at clubs, be it superstars who have an unbelievable talent, commited stars who wear their hearts on their sleeves, or simply become a fan favourite for no apparent reason other than perhaps having a ridiculous hair cut. But for every single one of these players, there is another who has had the complete opposite effect; just plain rubbish. Whether they came with a big price fee, had huge expectations, or arrived as a youngster, football history is littered with players who you just think ‘why the hell did we sign him?’ Jeffers, Afonso Alves, Bebe… I could go on and on, but it would probably take me a few months of continuous writing to cover everyone…
19. Everyone is a football manager.
Every single football fan in the country has their own opinions on how their club should play and develop, ranging through tactics, player roles and transfers. Where one fan may argue Walcott can’t play football but is ‘just fast’, another will argue that his speed is a genuine threat and a real asset to the club. Many a debate has gone on amongst friends, with every single conclusion ending with, ‘I bet I could do a better job’. With the likes of FIFA Football and Football Manager offering fans the opportunity to as realistically prove it as possible, everyone becomes a football manager. I don’t mean to brag but my success with Brisol City makes Fergie look like an amateur, but where was my consideration when ‘Woy’ was appointed successor to Capello?
20. Football is a universal language.
It doesn’t matter where in the world you come from, or what languages you can or can’t speak; pick up something that is roughly round shaped, and make anything into a goal, and a match of football can be started. It is amazing that for all the differences between cultures, football is one thing that can be found across all four corners of the globe. Stories have been told that the English and the Germans even called a truce on Christmas Day during World War I in order to have a football match; if that doesn’t show the oxymoron that is universal uniqueness then I don’t know what does.
21. Football is just amazing!
You don’t need me to tell you this; if you’ve been reading this you will surely agree. Football is just brilliant isn’t it? For all of the difficulties that have been presented, even in this article with stupid laws and owners, football brings people together. And overall, it is just so enjoyable! Playing it, watching it, talking about it… While this isn’t even mentioning all of the incredible flicks and tricks, along with the spectacular goals, that are a joy to behold. Football is an incredible sport, and I couldn’t imagine a world without it.
I hope you have enjoyed this article, feel free to leave any comments. Please also give my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thefootballwriter) a ‘like’, and drop me a tweet, @bradpeterson22 AND @TFW_Official. Cheers!
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