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(Euro) Football transfer frenzy: Real Madrid madness

post #1 of 38
6/11/09 at 4:23pm
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First Kaka to Real Madrid for 55m pounds and now Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for 80m pounds. In such trying economic times, and especially in a country with near 20% unemployment rate (that would be Spain)...What the hecks going on euro football clubs?

Real Madrid have become the disney cartoon club of the world of football. I have pretty much lost all respect for this once great club which used to rear top class local talent instead of buying their way to 'greatness'.
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post #2 of 38
6/11/09 at 4:53pm
On the plus side, Man U lost their best player. Anything that helps Liverpool win the league is good in my book.
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post #3 of 38
6/11/09 at 5:16pm
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Originally Posted by Agent Zero View Post

On the plus side, Man U lost their best player. Anything that helps Liverpool win the league is good in my book.

Ok, but now the pendulum swings again and La Liga will arguably be ranked as the best league in Europe, sporting the current Europeans champions as well as the best 3 players in the world.

ManUtd losing Ronaldo and Tevez will certainly heat up the premier league battle for the top spot. That said, Liverpool do have a habit of imploding ...
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post #4 of 38
6/11/09 at 7:13pm
Well take my opinion as that of an incidental observer, but:
1. The RM and ManU are not local football clubs. They are brands and business of global reach.
2. I do not think unemployment rate affects negatively football viwership. If anything, I am willing to bet it increases it.
3. After years of a franchise-like culture, there is no going back for many clubs. They cannot escape their reality.

Just look at the Bekham! He is a good player, granted, but he is not that good. And yet he has become a celebrity larger than life. His Wiki entry is more extensive than that of Albert Einstein and Muhammad Ali or Britney Spears.
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post #5 of 38
6/11/09 at 8:22pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by irish View Post

2. I do not think unemployment rate affects negatively football viwership. If anything, I am willing to bet it increases it.

What I was implying by that statement was that Real Madrid gets a lot of support from local state and banks and is able to leverage large interest free loans to buy football talent but these same banks are imposing huge interest rates or not loaning at all to the average citizen.
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post #6 of 38
6/11/09 at 11:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zztopp View Post

First Kaka to Real Madrid for 55m pounds and now Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for 80m pounds. In such trying economic times, and especially in a country with near 20% unemployment rate (that would be Spain)...What the hecks going on euro football clubs?

Real Madrid have become the disney cartoon club of the world of football. I have pretty much lost all respect for this once great club which used to rear top class local talent instead of buying their way to 'greatness'.

They're not doing anything different from other pro leagues. if you note the NBA, MLB, NHL, and NFL usually have the same handful of teams as elite. Ironically, its the MLB (baseball) which is the biggest whore factory with despite teams like the Red Sox and Yankees (my favorite team but still an Evil Empire for sure) who break bank taking great players from smaller cities and pathetic teams, have poor teams (Marlins, Phillies, Diamondbacks) winning the big prize. LA has the worst economy and highest unemployment rate of all the big US cities yet the LA Dodgers pay an arm and leg for Ramirez (who ironically gets suspended for illegal drug use). And of course the LA Galaxy put down a pretty penny for Beckham until he left (because soccer in the US SUCKS). It's not right persay but just the way things go. It's a business first a sport second.

- Ali
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post #7 of 38
6/12/09 at 5:44pm
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Originally Posted by anak View Post

They're not doing anything different from other pro leagues. if you note the NBA, MLB, NHL, and NFL usually have the same handful of teams as elite. Ironically, its the MLB (baseball) which is the biggest whore factory with despite teams like the Red Sox and Yankees (my favorite team but still an Evil Empire for sure) who break bank taking great players from smaller cities and pathetic teams, have poor teams (Marlins, Phillies, Diamondbacks) winning the big prize. LA has the worst economy and highest unemployment rate of all the big US cities yet the LA Dodgers pay an arm and leg for Ramirez (who ironically gets suspended for illegal drug use). And of course the LA Galaxy put down a pretty penny for Beckham until he left (because soccer in the US SUCKS). It's not right persay but just the way things go. It's a business first a sport second.

- Ali

Yes the big clubs have always bought/snatched promising players (and incurred huge debt levels along the way) using their might but this time Real Madrid have gone so far with their absurd spending prices that many have been questioning where they are getting their money from. Ofcourse Real don't have this kind of money ... its just that many local/state level entities are encouraging local banks to lend to Real on favorable terms which, as I mentioned above, is quite distateful in the current economy especially when those same banks are ignoring the average spanish citizen. If Real were spending their own money, most would find it irritating but perhaps not distateful...'hey its my money I will spend it whichever way I wish'. Problem is, in Reals case its not.
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post #8 of 38
6/12/09 at 5:50pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Agent Zero View Post

On the plus side, Man U lost their best player. Anything that helps Liverpool win the league is good in my book.

I'm not with the KOP, but yes would love to see anyone but them win the league in a long time
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post #9 of 38
6/12/09 at 6:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zztopp View Post

What I was implying by that statement was that Real Madrid gets a lot of support from local state and banks and is able to leverage large interest free loans to buy football talent but these same banks are imposing huge interest rates or not loaning at all to the average citizen.

Very true. However, I wouldn't discard the posibility that the government actually helps the local economy by investing in footbal players and treat them like prima-donnas. In any case I do not have enough information to make o judgement on that.
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post #10 of 38
6/12/09 at 7:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by zztopp View Post

Yes the big clubs have always bought/snatched promising players (and incurred huge debt levels along the way) using their might but this time Real Madrid have gone so far with their absurd spending prices that many have been questioning where they are getting their money from. Ofcourse Real don't have this kind of money ... its just that many local/state level entities are encouraging local banks to lend to Real on favorable terms which, as I mentioned above, is quite distateful in the current economy especially when those same banks are ignoring the average spanish citizen. If Real were spending their own money, most would find it irritating but perhaps not distateful...'hey its my money I will spend it whichever way I wish'. Problem is, in Reals case its not.

I see your point. Yes that's disgusting. But Real has always been a dominant team. Now they are simply bulletproof it seems. Salary cap!

- Ali
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post #11 of 38
6/13/09 at 6:53am
First a salary cap is not going to work in European football because each country's league is its own entity and I guarantee one of the countries wouldn't agree and every good player would end up playing there.
Second, Real Madrid did this a few years ago on their last buying spree and creating "galacticos" if there isn't good chemistry on the field it still won't result in silverware in the cabinet. These signings of Kaka and Ronaldo show how poor Real Madrid's academy system has failed them and how poorly they scout and value players. You would be hard pressed to name the last great player produced by the Real Madrid system.
Third, I believe Barcelona is still the better team and will win La Liga next year unless they go on a selling spree of their best players.
For all of those who wish Man U bad and I'm one of them. 80m pounds in Sir Alex's kitty to acquire talent from an organization that does know how to identify and develop young talent I wouldn't be looking for a big drop-off next season trust me they will be there next May in the mix for more silverware. I hate them with a passion but I do respect them.
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post #12 of 38
6/13/09 at 8:14am
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Agreed on salary cap not working and Barca being a better overall team worthy of the La Liga title

One of Real biggest mistakes(poor foresight) so far in recent times, has to be allowing Eto'o to Barca, IMO
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post #13 of 38
6/13/09 at 2:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewfoo View Post

One of Real biggest mistakes(poor foresight) so far in recent times, has to be allowing Eto'o to Barca, IMO

If a player wants to leave there's not much the club can do: if you force him to honour his contract he'll only start behaving badly since he'll know that a misbehaving player will be let go anyway...

As far as the loan is concerned I think it only natural for banks to lend money to Real Madrid at much more favorable rates than to the average Spaniard since the chance of getting your money back is around 100% whereas that chance is a good bit smaller when normal citizens are concerned. Finance lithurgy dictates that with higher risk must come higher return. I can't imagine that any bank would charge no interest at all though, since they'd be losing money due to inflation among other things.
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post #14 of 38
6/13/09 at 2:45pm
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Originally Posted by Merlino View Post

If a player wants to leave there's not much the club can do: if you force him to honour his contract he'll only start behaving badly since he'll know that a misbehaving player will be let go anyway...


Thats very true too. I still remember his infamous outburst of profanity at Real when Barca won the title some years back, i believe it was because he felt ditched

Regarding behaving badly, it seems to be his character traits to be volatile, he has always been quite difficult to handle both professionally and as a person - as the media portrays

I can say I am very impressed by his contribution thus far. the only African player i can think of that who is in the same league of class in recent times is George Weah....


Regarding Real's finances, wasn't it rumored that Figo's and/or Zidane's(?) transfers were funded by certain well-off fans? correct me if im wrong tho

Btw I'm still jealous
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post #15 of 38
6/13/09 at 2:47pm
It's always about team chemistry first. The Red Wings just proved again you can't buy a championship (though they came damn close). The Yankees and Red Sox have proved it in recent years and the Dallas Cowboys prove it every year since when they were pertinent.

But you you refute the point about a salary cap by saying it wouldnt happen since the countries wouldn't agree to it but if it were sanctioned and mandated the countries would have to take it. The problem isn't just about teams winning it's about revenue for the countries who dont have Ronaldo or Kaka. People pay to see their favorite superstars not just a winning team. I'm a huge NJ Devils fan (hockey) and they are one of the top franchises in the last 20 years. They have only ever had 1 superstar. They almost had to move out of NJ after winning the Stanley Cup because no one watched them play. The Yankees have more money than Osama but haven't won a World Series in ages. It doesn't really matter since everyone wants to see DJ, AROD, CC etc etc its like an All star game. Same with Real Madrid now.

And I like Manchester U btw!

- Al
Quote:
Originally Posted by Somerville Metro Man View Post

First a salary cap is not going to work in European football because each country's league is its own entity and I guarantee one of the countries wouldn't agree and every good player would end up playing there.
Second, Real Madrid did this a few years ago on their last buying spree and creating "galacticos" if there isn't good chemistry on the field it still won't result in silverware in the cabinet. These signings of Kaka and Ronaldo show how poor Real Madrid's academy system has failed them and how poorly they scout and value players. You would be hard pressed to name the last great player produced by the Real Madrid system.
Third, I believe Barcelona is still the better team and will win La Liga next year unless they go on a selling spree of their best players.
For all of those who wish Man U bad and I'm one of them. 80m pounds in Sir Alex's kitty to acquire talent from an organization that does know how to identify and develop young talent I wouldn't be looking for a big drop-off next season trust me they will be there next May in the mix for more silverware. I hate them with a passion but I do respect them.
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post #16 of 38
6/13/09 at 3:10pm
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Originally Posted by anak View Post

It's always about team chemistry first. The Red Wings just proved again you can't buy a championship (though they came damn close). The Yankees and Red Sox have proved it in recent years and the Dallas Cowboys prove it every year since when they were pertinent.

But you you refute the point about a salary cap by saying it wouldnt happen since the countries wouldn't agree to it but if it were sanctioned and mandated the countries would have to take it. The problem isn't just about teams winning it's about revenue for the countries who dont have Ronaldo or Kaka. People pay to see their favorite superstars not just a winning team. I'm a huge NJ Devils fan (hockey) and they are one of the top franchises in the last 20 years. They have only ever had 1 superstar. They almost had to move out of NJ after winning the Stanley Cup because no one watched them play. The Yankees have more money than Osama but haven't won a World Series in ages. It doesn't really matter since everyone wants to see DJ, AROD, CC etc etc its like an All star game. Same with Real Madrid now.

And I like Manchester U btw!

- Al

I cant agree with you on many levels simply because i am not exposed to US based sports much. But I have to agree with you that team chem is very important. And that Real's motivation to move in for these "galaticos" are very commercial. I recall a comment by a top Madrid official that the insane price tag they paid for beckham and his "brand" would be met very quickly through the merchandising of his "brand" as a Madrid player. Madrid have won everything and IMO can afford to not be desperate about getting another silverware though fans will rush to correct me. They are obviously going to ride on the commercial success of their star players more so than getting revenue through qualifying or winning certain competitions. Its quite disturbing to think of it, but i believe we all enjoy looking at the famous getting more famous. I admit i do look forward to catching the new stars in action for their new employers, though if you asked me about title-worthiness, i would have to be less receptive.

Just a spare note, Chelsea FC IMO is a good example of how succulent finances along with great managing dynamics can buy/win titles in the short-term at least


I dont like Man Utd, but i really "respect" what Fergie has done for them and the quality they churned out in the process
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post #17 of 38
6/13/09 at 5:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by anak View Post

It's always about team chemistry first. The Red Wings just proved again you can't buy a championship (though they came damn close).

The Redwings are long known to be a solid organization with great team chemistry. They haven't tried to "buy" a championship since the 2003-4 season (the last before the salary cap), but there was a lot of money to be handed out in Hockeytown back then. They were 16th in payroll last season, and I think they may barely end up in the top 10 for this year, but there were no major roster shakeups. The only notable acquisition was Marian Hossa (ironically, from Pittsburgh). Their captain (Lindstrom) and two assistants (Draper and Datsyuk) have a combined 47 years with the team. The Wings sign talented players with good character, and keep them around for years and years. The guys all like each other, don't demand to be paid obscene fistfuls of cash, and aren't very interested in going anywhere else. Back in March, Hossa said he'd accept less money to stay with the team (although he's probably now rueing his decision to leave Pittsburgh in the first place).
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post #18 of 38
6/14/09 at 4:43pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by anak View Post

But you you refute the point about a salary cap by saying it wouldnt happen since the countries wouldn't agree to it but if it were sanctioned and mandated the countries would have to take it. The problem isn't just about teams winning it's about revenue for the countries who dont have Ronaldo or Kaka.
- Al

I wasn't aware of it but I just read that the British government have increased taxes on foreign players (upto 50% now). On the other hand, the Spanish government has a 'stimulation package' of sorts in place where foreign players are taxed upto only 20% of their salary for the first 5 years in the country. Great going, land of the Queen.

Oh, and it seems like the damp depressing weather is getting to players...top stars such as Franck Ribery and David Villa have expressed their concerns about the English weather and will only consider moves to sunny Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo also stated weather as one of his priorities when making a move to Madrid while Arshavin of Arsenal and Vidic of ManUtd have expressed their concerns about the weather as well. Damp, industrial Manchester and gloomy, overcast london can seem to get a break (granted the Brits can't do anything about it)..
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post #19 of 38
6/14/09 at 6:55pm
I think Florentino Perez (Real Madrid President) is not wrong. He is doing a very good business with this expensive new players.
The thing is, with that incredible players, he guarantee tittles?
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post #20 of 38
6/14/09 at 7:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by an_oud_girl View Post

The Redwings are long known to be a solid organization with great team chemistry. They haven't tried to "buy" a championship since the 2003-4 season (the last before the salary cap), but there was a lot of money to be handed out in Hockeytown back then. They were 16th in payroll last season, and I think they may barely end up in the top 10 for this year, but there were no major roster shakeups. The only notable acquisition was Marian Hossa (ironically, from Pittsburgh). Their captain (Lindstrom) and two assistants (Draper and Datsyuk) have a combined 47 years with the team. The Wings sign talented players with good character, and keep them around for years and years. The guys all like each other, don't demand to be paid obscene fistfuls of cash, and aren't very interested in going anywhere else. Back in March, Hossa said he'd accept less money to stay with the team (although he's probably now rueing his decision to leave Pittsburgh in the first place).

Umm yeah right. The Wings are a star stealing whores. Sure stars stay with the team since they organize all star teams but its not home grown talents its bought talent either way. Karma and Malkin got them this year along with an over the hill pathetic goalie on Detroit that couldn't stop a balloon. Just like when the Devils wiped them out in 4 several years ago they got served by a team with mostly homegrown talent. This serves Hossa right for joining the dark side.

- Al
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post #21 of 38
6/15/09 at 1:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by anak View Post

Umm yeah right. The Wings are a star stealing whores. Sure stars stay with the team since they organize all star teams but its not home grown talents its bought talent either way.

"Umm yeah right." Let's have a look. Babcock tends to mix up his lines, but here's the usual for the playoffs:

First line:
Datsuyk, '98 draft pick
Zetterberg, '99 draft pick
Cleary, '05 Invited to Detroit training camp after Phoenix didn't offer him a qualifying contract; made the team and signed a contract.

Second line
Franzen, '04 draft pick
Filippula, '02 draft pick
Hossa, '08 signed as free agent.

Third line
Holmström, '94 draft pick
Helm, '05 draft pick
Samuelsson, '05 signed as free agent.

Fourth line
Hudler, '02 draft pick
Draper, '93 received in trade from Winnipeg for ONE DOLLAR and "future considerations."
Maltby, '96 received in trade from Edmonton

Defensemen (listed by playoff atoi):
Lidström, '89 draft pick
Stuart, '08 received in trade from LA
Kronwall, '00 draft pick
Rafalski, signed as free agent
Ericsson, '02 draft pick
Lebda, '04 signed undrafted out of the University of Notre Dame

Maybe your issue is with the large number of European players who are not "home grown" in the US, but the fact remains that Detroit scouts and signs the majority of their players from the draft pool, not by "stealing" stars from other NHL teams.

Note to zztop: Sorry to hijack your thread, but Someone is Wrong on the Internet.

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post #22 of 38
6/15/09 at 1:41am
I saw an article stating Ronaldo will be earning more than 500.000 pounds a week.. wtf is going on..
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post #23 of 38
6/15/09 at 3:25am
No one's wrong you kinda of proved my point with you post. And I'm not talking just about this year but in general. A girl talking hockey? Hmm shoulda known. 8^P J/K. OUCH! I just crossed the line but I had too say it. Just had to.

- Al

Quote:
Originally Posted by an_oud_girl View Post

"Umm yeah right." Let's have a look. Babcock tends to mix up his lines, but here's the usual for the playoffs:

First line:
Datsuyk, '98 draft pick
Zetterberg, '99 draft pick
Cleary, '05 Invited to Detroit training camp after Phoenix didn't offer him a qualifying contract; made the team and signed a contract.

Second line
Franzen, '04 draft pick
Filippula, '02 draft pick
Hossa, '08 signed as free agent.

Third line
Holmström, '94 draft pick
Helm, '05 draft pick
Samuelsson, '05 signed as free agent.

Fourth line
Hudler, '02 draft pick
Draper, '93 received in trade from Winnipeg for ONE DOLLAR and "future considerations."
Maltby, '96 received in trade from Edmonton

Defensemen (listed by playoff atoi):
Lidström, '89 draft pick
Stuart, '08 received in trade from LA
Kronwall, '00 draft pick
Rafalski, signed as free agent
Ericsson, '02 draft pick
Lebda, '04 signed undrafted out of the University of Notre Dame

Maybe your issue is with the large number of European players who are not "home grown" in the US, but the fact remains that Detroit scouts and signs the majority of their players from the draft pool, not by "stealing" stars from other NHL teams.

Note to zztop: Sorry to hijack your thread, but Someone is Wrong on the Internet.

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post #24 of 38
6/15/09 at 3:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Giustino View Post

I saw an article stating Ronaldo will be earning more than 500.000 pounds a week.. wtf is going on..

The guy's gaining more than 500.000 pounds a week.
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post #25 of 38
6/15/09 at 10:55am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by an_oud_girl View Post

Note to zztop: Sorry to hijack your thread, but Someone is Wrong on the Internet.

I didn't know Hockey was alive and kicking in the US
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post #26 of 38
6/15/09 at 11:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zztopp View Post

I didn't know Hockey was alive and kicking in the US

It has the about the same penetration as European soccer on cable With a second tier cable channel as Hockey's main television outlet.
Hockey is the most mismanged "major" sport in North America and is probably going to find itself contracting over the next few years as empty arenas keep some teams moving around. With the current economy these lousy teams won't find the sweetheart deals from a city desperate to be thought of as "major league" because they have an NHL franchise. Phoenix will be the last team to play musical cities I think. Of course any league that thought putting a hockey team in the desert deserves to be slapped around a bit.
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post #27 of 38
6/15/09 at 12:03pm
KAKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
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post #28 of 38
6/15/09 at 4:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Somerville Metro Man View Post

It has the about the same penetration as European soccer on cable With a second tier cable channel as Hockey's main television outlet.
Hockey is the most mismanged "major" sport in North America and is probably going to find itself contracting over the next few years as empty arenas keep some teams moving around. With the current economy these lousy teams won't find the sweetheart deals from a city desperate to be thought of as "major league" because they have an NHL franchise. Phoenix will be the last team to play musical cities I think. Of course any league that thought putting a hockey team in the desert deserves to be slapped around a bit.

The problem is Canada cant compete with more wealthy US conglomerates (Jets became the Coyotes, Nordiques became Avalanche etc.). Who'd of thought 2 successful franchises would come out of FLORIDA???????? Another example of how $$$ is taking over sports. When the Bills move to Toronto, Canada will get its revenge. Or maybe not, who cares about the Bills?

- Al
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post #29 of 38
6/17/09 at 7:59am
Real needs to sort out their defence first before I will say they have any chance of winning the league...
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post #30 of 38
6/17/09 at 7:06pm
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Originally Posted by Mostapha View Post

KAKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I prefer Kaka's style to Ronaldo. Kaka is low-key and simple yet one of the most effective players on the planet when it comes to goal-getting. He shows his magic when there is a need to, and comes off very grounded. Ronaldo does seem to lack in the humble department, though i must admit he IS one of the best players now

Quote:
Originally Posted by junkfood View Post

Real needs to sort out their defence first before I will say they have any chance of winning the league...

Very true, with all the Dutch attacking fire-power and the South-American flair, they do lack a lot in their defensive line-up. I personally feel Real is not really into winning titles, they are obviously very tuned commercially.
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post #31 of 38
6/18/09 at 10:53am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by matthewfoo View Post

I prefer Kaka's style to Ronaldo. Kaka is low-key and simple yet one of the most effective players on the planet when it comes to goal-getting. He shows his magic when there is a need to, and comes off very grounded. Ronaldo does seem to lack in the humble department, though i must admit he IS one of the best players now

Kaka is a midfield maestro - his control and vision is excellent. Ronaldo though is a whole level higher than Kaka; he is more than an aggressive fielder. Ronaldo's a multifaceted offensive player who can control the midfield, fly on the wings, and zing in like a fearsome striker, not to mention his prowess in the air and the occasionally brilliant free kicks. A complete offensive player!

Ronaldo plugged in a lot of holes for ManUtd and is a reason why there is no like for like replacement for him....they will need 2-3 players to compensate for Ronaldos loss of multiple offensive talents.

He's also in stark contrast to the humble Kaka (whose 'I belong to Jesus' t-shirt I find a bit too preachy)...arrogant and egoistic, maybe thats what makes him who he is.
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post #32 of 38
6/18/09 at 6:23pm
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Yeah i agree too that Ronaldo is easily the best offensive player on the planet right now. His pace is phenomenal.

I remember when he first started at Man Utd he was much scrawnier and was show-boating alot and getting hacked by the defenders. He has since bulked up and is less fancy and more direct. I love his free-kicks, low and hard and always moving in the mid-air, really a nightmare to be against. I must say he has been rather fortunate so far to not have sustained a really serious injury? considering his playing position and style of play, he really has escaped lengthy injuries. Man Utd will miss him dearly, I'm not sure Nani is even close in the same mould...
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post #33 of 38
6/19/09 at 10:23pm
On a side note...i discovered this nike football ad. I rate it as one of the best ever made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsizQ...eature=channel
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post #34 of 38
6/19/09 at 11:45pm
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Originally Posted by JoNnY 4 View Post

On a side note...i discovered this nike football ad. I rate it as one of the best ever made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsizQ...eature=channel

I love football/soccer commercials but this one is giving me blair witch effect headache lol
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post #35 of 38
7/1/09 at 3:30pm
Thread Starter 
sonovabitch...BBC have confirmed that Real Madrid just swooped for Karim Benzema under the noses of ManUtd...

I am really starting to believe that many top soccer stars just dont want to play in Ol' Blighty whether its the weather, or the 50% tax rate hike that goes into effect in 2010, bad weather, or whatever...not looking good for the Premier League at all..

BTW, I bet Franck Ribery ain't making his way to the EPL either...
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post #36 of 38
7/1/09 at 3:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoNnY 4 View Post

On a side note...i discovered this nike football ad. I rate it as one of the best ever made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsizQ...eature=channel

That's really cool.

So the hero of the ad is a Dutch guy playing for Arsenal FC. Since you can see Robin van Persie and Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the ad, it's not them.

No other Dutch player has played witth Arsenal and in the Dutch National team together with Van Persie and Van Bronckhorst, so the guy must be fictive.
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post #37 of 38
7/6/09 at 5:03pm
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Originally Posted by zztopp View Post

sonovabitch...BBC have confirmed that Real Madrid just swooped for Karim Benzema under the noses of ManUtd...

I am really starting to believe that many top soccer stars just dont want to play in Ol' Blighty whether its the weather, or the 50% tax rate hike that goes into effect in 2010, bad weather, or whatever...not looking good for the Premier League at all..

BTW, I bet Franck Ribery ain't making his way to the EPL either...

Both French men are great! Benzema easily will be one of the best strikers in EU and Ribery is already one of the fastest wingers that just fly past the full backs marking him. Madrid are planning to convert attackers to defenders apparently.... I have no idea why nothing significant is done to boost their "Uncle" defence..
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post #38 of 38
7/6/09 at 5:06pm
  • MFJ
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Originally Posted by Stereotomy View Post

That's really cool.

So the hero of the ad is a Dutch guy playing for Arsenal FC. Since you can see Robin van Persie and Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the ad, it's not them.

No other Dutch player has played witth Arsenal and in the Dutch National team together with Van Persie and Van Bronckhorst, so the guy must be fictive.

how i miss overmars as well.....
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