[dst]

A thread to talk about football legends. Post a story or a vid or anything else you feel like about those you consider as football greats!

(Preferably not Milan players, those deserve their own thread in the 'Players' section. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) )


OK so let's start with Gabriel Batistuta. I love that guy! And I'm sure Tennie does too! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I was watching some vids of him on YouTube and came across this one. It's his first goal against Fiorentina, the team he followed in Serie B, with the Roma shirt. I think it was his first game against the Viola too. His reaction after scoring this great goal is heartbreaking. He cried and then (this is not shown in the video unfortunately) he turned towards the Viola fans and held his arm high up in the air asking for an apology and they all applauded him...

Click!

What a ****-ing legend!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Paul McGrath

(IMG:http://dynimg.rte.ie/00002b8c0c8r.jpg) (IMG:http://www.cerebis.com/mcgrath/images/famous/paul.jpg)

One of my personal favourite ever players. Paul McGrath, born in England but played for Ireland made over 250 appearances for Villa between '89 and '96. After a fall out with Fergie at United, we signed him on the cheap and he became one of the best defenders in the leagues history. Took us to two 2nd place finishes in the league, as well as winning the league Cup with us in '94 and '96. In terms of awards, he is one of the few defenders to win the PFA Player of the Year award ('9-'93 season) and only John Terry has won it since, as a defender. He was also voted as Irelands greatest ever players - joint with Roy Keane and Liam Brady. His most notable International game was during the 1994 World Cup when he marked then World Player of the Year, Roberto Baggio, out of the game in an historic 1-0 win for Ireland.

A legend amongst Villa fans has earned him the nickname 'God', but not just for his ability on the field. He is one of the few modern day players that did not act like a celebrity and he had 'real life' problems. He could barely train due to his knee troubles and had a drinking problem, but still made time for his fans. After home games he'd usually go into the local pub and sit down and talk with the fans and just generally act like one of the lads. An absoloute legend in my eyes!

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jul 4 2008, 12:00 PM