Luis FIGO

Skill imagination leadership courage Luis FIGO had it all a hero in his home country and to millions across Europe. Luis FIGO was the captain of his country winner of Europe’s highest honors and the subject of the most controversial transfer in modern football history. Few players move between the most bitter of rivals he was still could cope with the pressure from all sides for the summer of 2000s once such transfer move that shocked the football world. Had it involved a lesser player the transfer might have caused only a minor ripple because the player in question was Luis FIGO Barcelona best player the holder of Ballon D’or and he signed for Barcelona greatest rivals. Luis FIGO was born in November 1972 ALMADA near Portuguese capital Lisbon he played for several local teams before impressing visiting scouts from Sporting Lisbon who invited him to done the famous green and white jersey. The young winger blossomed at sporting progressing rapidly through the ranks in 1990s still a teenager he made his first team debut. FIGO won his first club championship in 1995 but when a proposed move to Italy fell through that summer he was snapped up by the Catalan giants Barcelona.

Once in Barcelona FIGO wasted no time endearing to the fans scoring nine goals in his debut season he quickly became the heartbeat of the side and as such was targeted by the opposition. The team excelled as did FIGO running from deep at and frequently past the opposition the Portuguese terrified defenses often capping his runs with devastating displays of his own finishing. Victory in the 1997 UEFA cup winners cup was followed by successive Spanish league titles in 1998-99 FIGO was handed the captain’s armband for his efforts and in 2000 was named the Portuguese footballer of the season for a sixth consecutive year. Even more impressively he won the prestigious Ballon D’or.

Controversy lay ahead despite having won the Champions league just a few months earlier club President Lorenzo Sanz was defeated in the Real Madrid presidential elections by Florentino Perez whose Campaign hinged on one promise to bring Luis FIGO to Real Madrid. And he delieverd FIGO arrived for a fee of 61m Euros.

In Catalonia supporters and players were completely stunned. In October 2000 FIGO’S first return to the Camp Nou was a major news story 100,000 people channeled their aggression towards one man for once El Clasico the football and the result seemed inconsequential FIGO has even spared the responsibility of taking corners for fear of being hit by missiles. Madrid’s faith in FIGO reaped rewards however he helped his side to the league title in his first season and then received the prestigious FIGO World player of the year award. His good form continued during in his second season in Real Madrid alongside the latest Galactico Zinedine Zidane he made the transition from out and out winger to a more central role the Portuguese became more involved in dictating the play for Real Madrid. FIGO scored three times in Champions league as real Madrid reached the 2002 final. Bayer Leverkusen were beaten by 2-1 in Glasgow and FIGO was finally a European cup winner. FIGO and real Madrid the competitive nature of El Clasico and the bitter rivalry between the Spain’s two biggest clubs ensured was not always plain sailing Madrid and FIGO returned to the Camp Nou in November 2002. Unfazed FIGO played a key role in Madrid title win that season his ten goals and numerous assists were central to the Galacticos pinching another championship.

1 year later he would captained his country as Portugal hosted euro 2004. At international level FIGO had been a young prodigy the leader of Portugal’s golden generation he  won the FIFA under 16 world cup in 1989 and followed that triumph with the under 20 title two years later. Having impressed youth level he made his full international debut age just 18 and went on to a mass 127 appearances for his country scoring 32 goals along the way. As host of euro 2004 Portugal were one of the favourites FIGO was named captain as a nation waited to see if the golden generation would finally mature as an international force. FIGO and his teammates fell just short Portugal suffered a shock defeat in the final at the hands of GREECE after which FIGO retired from international football. But he soon reversed his decision and let his country to a world cup semi-final in 2006 Portugal’s best finish in 40 years.

A club level FIGO took up new challenge in 2005 swapping real Madrid for Inter Milan. He continued to showcase his talent not least in the Champions league and helped inter win four consecutive league titles. On the day Inter Milan secured their four consecutive league titles Luis FIGO announced his retirement from football.           

ZICO 'O Galinho De Quintinho"

“Rio de Janeiro” the heart of Brazil and the heartbeat of football A city alive with the beautiful game generations inspired by their idols and fewer more inspirational than the Flamengo legend “Arthur Antunes Coimbra Zico”. Born in Rio de Janeiro on the 3^rd of march 1953 Arthur Antunes Coimbra was the youngest of five brothers he grew up here in the working class neighborhood of continued bock over and it was on these streets where it all began. The young Arthur also gained his first nickname known Zico. And it was playing indoor football or Futsal where Zico was first spotted in 1967 at the age of 13 he was set to join his brother to America club instead he was offered a trial at the club he fanatically supported Flamengo. Despite a successful trail the club near that Zico wasn’t strong enough and made him follow a strict fitness regime to gain weight it would take determination to ensure that he broke into the first team his slight frame and endless running and the young Zico another nickname too The Rooster. Zico was surrounded by Brazilian legends at Flamengo but they knew the rooster was a legend in the making himself under Mario Zagallo in 1972 he started to make his mark.

It was only a matter of time before his ability caught the eye of national team selectors. Despite Brazil controversial exit the experience in Argentina had been a learning curve back in Rio at Flamengo a new generation of players had emerged and in Zico the side had its star no one symbolized the dynamic new face of Brazilian football more than Flamengo’s number10 clean living dedicated and professional he was an instant hit on the terraces. Indeed his Flamengo career was characterized by the strong bond he shared with the fans even today he is idolized at the Maracana. Flamengo are commonly regarded as the people’s team in Rio the fans have always identified with the players who show spirit and determination above all other qualities. Their aim was simple to become the best side in the world winning their first title in 1980 was a decisive step in that direction. While Flamengo  boasted an a ray of attacking talent there was never any doubt the real star of the show was Zico had already become the heartbeat the both Flamengo and Brazil he was the man who made the difference.

More than anything though he was becoming famous for his eyes for goal from Free-kick from outside the area Zico was simply deadly. Yet he still had his doubters the Sao Paulo press suggest that he could only turn it on but Flamengo’s home ground the Maracana no one has ever played more games or scored more goals in Brazil’s legendary stadium. What truly changed the national perception of Zico’s ability was the World club cup in 1981 Flamengo traveled to Tokyo to face the European champions Liverpool inspired by captain Zico he secured their place in Brazil’s football history a 3-0 win had their illustrious opponents baffled.

The world cup in Spain; Brazil hadn’t won the tournament since 1970 expectations for Zico’s generation were inevitably high. Brazil immediately justified their reputations as pre tournament favourite but the brand of football that captured the purest hearts and it came as little surprised that Zico provided the cutting edge as he so often did with Flamengo. Brazil’s star palyer struck three times in the tournament opening phase he’d become the undisputable number 10 for both club and country.He was still number one back in Rio Flamango were only too delighted to welcome him back it wasn’t the first or the last time that he’d sought refuge with his hometown club and domestically Flamengo showed no signs of letting up as they landed a third title in 1983. Zico celebrated that 1983 triumph with his beloved fans trouble was brewing behind the scenes a rift had developed between the player and the club against Zico wishes Flamengo decided to cash in and sell their star asset the player was adamant that he never had any intention of leaving but his hand was forced to unthinkable had occurred Zico would leave Flamengo and the time had come to try his luck in Europe.

 Little known Udinese Italian club would won the race to sign the world’s best player. Udinese new hero wasted little time in settling in 1984 he was the second top scorer in SERIE A with 19 goals but his Italian adventure soon began to wrong. Again they were critics suggestions he lacked the mental fortitude to succeed in Europe but in reality Zico wanted to do what he loves most score goals for his hometown club in his beloved Rio. He return to Brazil also meant a return to the national team now in his early 30’s Zico star showed no sign of fading despite now being plagued by injury problems. A stunning hat-trick against Yugoslavia in 1986 proved he was ready for one last crack of world cup glory in Maxico. Brazil began brightly and insured themselves of a quarterfinal tie against the European Champions France but Zico was struggling to overcome a knee injury and found himself in an unfamiliar position on the bench. With the match locked at 1-1 Zico was once again introduced as the potential savior and he was greeted to a standing ovation. Brazil went on to lose in a penalty shootout Socrates one of two players to miss as France sealed a famous win. Once again the reaction from Flamengo was completely different another world cup failure but yet another warm welcome home in Rio while his career was coming to an end Zico found a new lease of life nurturing a very young side. Flamengo’s number 10 inspired by his teammates to title number four in 1987 of all his many achievements perhaps this one was his greatest. In 1989 at the age of 36 he felt he had no option but to retire. He scored 52 goals for Brazil and more than 500 for Flamengo. Zico himself considers the moment he first arrived there as the defining moment of a glittering 20 years at the top.   
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The ALAN SHEARER story

For nearly 20 years this rugged inspirational striker was very at the heart of English football. Alan Shearer realized many of his boyhood dreams to become captain of his hometown club and his country in short an iconic figure of English football. Supporting a football club is all about dreams and inspirations and for those who follow Newcastle United those dreams focus on the iconic no 9 shirt. The history of the club is dominated by legends of the past who wore it with pride and scored hundred of goals. Alan Shearer grew up in Newcastle on Tyne side the fans of Newcastle United. His childhood hero was Kevin Keegan who joined the club in 1982. Keegan the player was integral to their promotion to the English first division. He shared his boyhood dream with thousands of others but local scout Jack Hickson presented Alan Shearer’s father with a opportunity 300 miles away on England south coast.

The prospect of a professional contract meant leaving went home comforts behind but aged just 14 Shearer flourished in Southampton embracing his new found independence and freedom. He adapted quickly developing friendships and a strong character. In the mid 1980 Southampton was an ideal breeding ground for young players and Shearer impressed manager and gives his home debut against Arsenal in April 1988 it proved to be unforgettable. Despite his outstanding debut Shearer was integrated in to the Southampton first team slowly if it was clear he had strength self belief and an eye for goal. One header at Old Trafford helped not Manchester United out of the FA CUP. Shearer was widely expected to sign for Manchester United but in 1992 it was newly promoted Blackburn Rovers managed by Kenny Dalglish who won the race for his signature. Financed by local multi-millionaire Jack Walker Blackburn British record 3.6m pounds for Shearer. His second season Blackburn finished runners up to Manchester United but Shearer scored 31 goals in 40 games and won the football writers player of the year award. In 1994 the arrival of a new strike partner Chris Sutton from Norwich City pointed towards a changing of the guard at the top of English football.

The league title would go to the final day and with a two Points advantage over their rivals. Blackburn knew that victory against Liverpool would see them crowned premier league champions. Jack Walker’s dream had been realized his record investment in first Shearer and then Sutton led to a league partnership with 49 goals. Shearer tally of 34 goals led to his follow professional voting him player of the year. The following season Blackburn’s form was indifference eliminated from the Champions league at the group stages they finish seventh in the premier league. Shearer goal scoring continued he was again in the divisions top scorer with 31 goals. He scored 13 goals in 11 games for England U-21 led to a first senior cap against France in 1992. Two years later football came home Euro 96 was held in England the excitement mounted but Shearer hadn’t scored an international goal for two years. Shearer first half goal against Switzerland was the perfect to repost but better was to follow he opened the scoring against Scotland. The final group opponents were the Dutch and their formidable Ajax stars who’d won the champions league a year earlier. It was a brilliant performance augmented by the link up play between Shearer and Teddy Sheringham. After defeated Spain on penalties England faced Germany in the semi final at Wembley England and Shearer made the perfect start. Shearer finished Euro 96 as the tournament top scorer his five goals earning the golden boot award.

The transfer fee of 15m pounds meant the 26 years old was the world’s most expensive player to Newcastle United. Shearer marked his home debut with a goal against Wimbledon and the season was still in its infancy when the Champions Manchester United arrived at st.Jame’s park. The 5-0 demolition of Manchester United hinted at the Newcastle resurgence but few would have predicted what happen next. The striker tremendous form continued he was top scorer in the premier league for the third consecutive season with 25 goals including a hat-trick against Leicester city as Newcastle trail 3-1 with fifteen minutes remaining. Newcastle plummeted in the league the situation came to a head during a dramatic derby match with rivals Sunderland. Shearer led England through qualification to the 1998 world cup but the tournament was short-lived his only world cup experience ended after a dramatic penalty shootout to Argentina in the second round. Two years later elimination from Euro 2000 Shearer announced his retirement from international football. His England tally ended on 30 goals from 63 games.

Newcastle return to the Champions League in 2002 was initially underwhelming but Shearer’s penalty against Dynamo resurrected their fortunes he scored five more goals in the tournament including a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen. He spent ten years at Newcastle United and scored 200 goals. Alan Shearer bowed out of the game a bloodied goal scoring hero ruthless brave clinical and record total of 260 premier league goals that will perhaps never be broken.        

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The story of CLARENCE SEEDORF

Clarence Seedorf is one of the most gifted most decorated players in modern football. Blessed with the technique of intelligence to adapt to any situation. In Europe’s biggest club competition one of the world’s greatest players. In 2003 AC MILAN defeated JUVENTUS on penalties to win their sixth European cup but it was a night when one individual made his own mark in the history books. Clarence Seedorf became the first player to win the competition with three different clubs. Seedorf and his family was in “Suriname” who came to Amsterdam in 1979 like many before him the young boy childhood was dominated by football. Seedorf was a prodigy in 1992 aged only 16 years and 242 he became the youngest player to make his professional debut for Ajax. During this period Seedorf embrace the Ajax philosophy of total football. That determination helped drive Louis Van Gaal’s precociously talented team two consecutive Dutch league titles during the mid 90s. In 1995 Ajax reached the champion league final they met AC MILAN in Vienna. Patrick Kluivert 82^nd minute goal clinched the Dutch team their fourth Champions league title. The victory in the champions league get capped Seedorf time in Amsterdam still only nineteen his desire for a new challenge saw him depart to Sampdoria at the more physical game of Italy SERIE A. On the final day 1996 season a commanding performance by Seedorf and teammate Christian Karembeu brought them to the attention of the new appointed Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello.

Real Madrid needed reviving Capello changed their system he played three in attack and used Seedorf as his midfield hug. Madrid were on the rise but despite his title success Capello was replaced by Jupp Heynckes” Seedorf remained a key player and contributed some exhilarating moments. However Madrid was struggling domestically yet in the Champions league it was developing a very different story. Madrid overcame Borussia Dortmund in the last four to qualify for the final against JUVENTUS a tense affair was settled by Predrag Mijatovic second half goal joy for Madrid and a second champions league triumph for Clarence Seedorf.

That project brought Seedorf to INTER MILAN in 1999 but lippies dismissal the following year left the Dutchman marginalized. Often sideline he had to remain professional throughout the whole new chapter. Football’s tribal nature makes it very difficult for players to move between clubs in the same city but in 2002 Seedorf did that he left INTER for rivals AC MILAN. Under “Carlo Ancelotti” MILAN aimed to become Italy’s dominant force with Seedorf in the centre of midfield within a year MILAN in the champions league  final and on this stage Seedorf knew exactly what to do. MILAN overcame JUVENTUS with Andriy Scevchenko scoring a winning penalty for Seedorf it was a remarkable milestone three finals with three different teams and each with the same winning outcome. Seedorf made Champions league history. Despite his glittering club career Seedorf remained an enigma on the international scene they were 87 caps but a sense of Unfulfillment. His frustration with the national team contrasted to his club success in 2003-04 the midfield triumvirate of Seedorf ,Gattuso and Pirlo were untouchable combining with a ruthless attack as MILAN won their first league title in five years. They remained relentless in their pursuit of trophies in 2004 Seedorf scored the only goal in their opening champions league game against Shakhtar Donetsk and played in every game on route to the final against Liverpool in Istanbul. MILAN captain Paolo Maldini scored in the first minute striker Crespo added two more goals before half time. Liverpool comeback  was complete when Shevchenko’s penalty was saved by Jerzy Dudek. The revenge will come two years later despite a match fixing scandal in Italy MILAN bettled their way to a tenth Champions league final in Athens. Two goals from Filippo Inzaghi proved decisive it was another milestone for the Dutchman his fourth Champions league medal. Seedorf on a second SERIE A title in 2011 before announcing his departure from Rossoneri at the end of the following season when he moved to Botafogo in Brazil. It was a decision that would see him exist the club stage on which he had made his name. Seedorf Brazilian adventure ended in January 2014 he announced retirement to become coach of AC MILAN. But his playing career will live long in the memory as one of the most decorated players of his generation and one of the most gifted.
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EUSEBIO the BLACK PANTHER

Eusebio Da Silva Ferreira was born on 25 January 1942 in Portugal. Nickname is “A Pantera Negra” he was a sensational athlete so strong and so fast. When you talk about your savior you talk about Benfica and when you talk about Benfica you talk about your savior he earned the biggest name in the club’s history. In may 1961 Benfica beat Barcelona 3-2 to become the first club apart from Real Madrid to  win the European cup even then the Portuguese club were looking to the future having just signed an unknown 19 years old  Eusebio. When Eusebio arrived Benfica were Portuguese Champions and also European Champions. A month later a European Champions were invited to play an exhibition match against the World Club Champions Santos the Brazilian side with PELE and their ranks brought the Portuguese back to earth with 20 minutes to go and 5-0 down it seemed like a good time to give the youngster his chance Eusebio took it with book hands scoring a sensational second half hat-trick. Benfica went down 6-3 but in just 20 minutes Eusebio it shown the world his star quality. The shockwaves run through the Benfica team they were European champions but everyone want of that lineup felt Eusebio impact his arrival meant that things would change. Eusebio was right to believe in himself his first league start came at the stadium of light against Atletico and for those who hadn’t seen the phenomenon  put three goals pass Santos Eusebio showed the Lisbon public just what kind of player they had in Benfica.

Lisbon was a world away from the one that he’d known growing up in the Portuguese colony of Mozambique but Eusebio surprisingly settled in Benfica his childhood friend Hilario had been one of the first Mozambique to make a trip to Portugal when he signed for the Lisbon club sporting. In fact the history of Portuguese football was very nearly different Hilario came close to bringing Eusebio from the Mozambican capital to Sporting Lisbon. Sporting lost was Benfica’s gain and Eusebio reputation quickly spread in his first season his goals fired the club to a second successive European cup final their opponents this time were  Real Madrid. Madrid started brightly however Puskas giving them a two-goals lead Benfica hit back to level the game at 2-2 then Real Madrid retook the lead it was time for Eusebio to make his mark on his first European cup final. Eusebio sealed the 5-3 win with a flourish as Benfica became the first team to beat the Spainiards in a European final. Eusebio however was more thrilled to receive Di Stefano shirt after the game. He may not have sought fame but Eusebio quickly established himself as the brightest star in both Portuguese and European football in many ways it was the first modern footballer combining a devastating blend of power and acceleration. Naturally Eusebio goals brought trophies for Benfica they want consecutive league titles between 63-65 and it was also in that year Eusebio received the Ballon D’or confirming his status as Europe top player. Eusebio goals had bulldoze Benfica to a third consecutive European final in 1963 but the Lisbon club were not about to create density of Real Madrid proportions their opponents were AC MILAN and despite Eusebio opening goal Benfica’s attacking football met Italian defence MILAN won 2-1. In 1965 Benfica reached there fourth final in five years but this time they were beaten by INTER MILAN 1-0.

Nevertheless Portuguese football was on the up Sporting had won the European cup Winners cup in 1964 and the players from both Lisbon teams made the bulk of Portugal squad for the 1966 world cup in England and Eusebio they had the man to lead them to Glory. It was a tough group for Portugal after convincing wins against Hungary and Bulgaria they had to face the world Champions Brazil. But they way in which Portugal brushed them aside displayed a ruthlessness that surprised many observers two goals from Eusebio sent the champions crashing out. Next up for Portugal the quarterfinals a game against the tournament surprise package North Korea Eusebio though was at the peak of his powers. They were 3-2 down to Korea in first half but in second half the game was totally change and they won by 4-3 by the brilliance of Esuebio. He scored two goals. Eusebio and its inspired form Portugal looked unstoppable but they were up against the hosts England in the semi final. Eusebio and his teammates were relaxed and confident of another win. That semi final proved to be quite controversial Portugal’s base Liverpool was the original venue for their semi final against the hosts but the English FA arranged for the fixture to be moved to Wembley. It was the decision that left the Portuguese feeling cheated. Stiles uncompromising marking drastically reduced the treat of Eusebio  by stopping Eusebio England had stopped Portugal. Two Bobby Charlton goals gave England a 2-0 lead with the English dominant on their home ground tired Portuguese legs just couldn’t cope. A late Eusebio penalty was too little too late for Portugal the dream was over.

The fact remained though that Eusebio had now carried his country as well as his club to new heights he finished the tournament with nine goals to his name and put Portugal on the world football map. Back with Benfica the goals continued to flow he received the European golden boot after an incredible 42 goals in 1968 it was becoming very obvious just how important he was to his club’s chances of success. In early 70s Eusebio’s hunger four goals never diminished another European golden boot was taste to that but having remained loyal to Benfica for 15 years he decided to grasp one final payday in north American Soccer League. Goals and trophies were never far away from Eusebio throughout his glittering career but his body could no longer keep up a long-term knee injury forced him to retire in 1978. Yet it’s for his football that Eusebio will live long in the memory. For Benfica he scored 638 goals in 614 games winning eleven Portuguese championships five Portuguese cups and one European cup in just 14 years. Portugal’s greatest ever player also scored 41 times in 64 appearances for his country. EUSEBIO DA SIVA FERREIRA there will never be another like him.                  FOR MORE VISIT: football-galaxy01.blogspot.com

George BEST the EL BEATLE

It was like the passage of a shooting star George Best’s genius on a football field seen brilliantly for some years and when it faded left us with those amazing memories. George’s story started in Belfast Northern Ireland on 22^nd may 1946 he was the son of Dickie Best. Soon enough it became obvious that George had a very special talent with a football; there were fears that he may have been too small to make it as a professional but that didn’t stop Bob Bishop the Manchester United scout called Matt Busby to tell him he’d found it genius. It wasn’t quite as simple as that for the 15 years old boy from Belfast  he was offered a two-week trail and travelled across the Irish Sea with another youngster Eric to board with misses full away in Manchester but the two kids were overawed by the club and the city and run back to Belfast at the earliest opportunity. George though came back and settled into Manchester writing letters back home to Belfast about the adventures with Manchester United stars. George was joined at mrs full of ways by another future United star David Sadler who took these early shots of the youngster who was causing so much excitement at Old Trafford. As a 17 years old George broke into the Manchester United first team and scored six goals in his first season but the most poignant memories go back to his debut against West Bromwich Albion in September 1963. The young Irishman knew no fear and was fast becoming a phenomenon with Manchester united in the first division as they took the title in 1965.

Back home to the boy from the cragiestate was making an impression plans were underway to bring him into the Northern Ireland team it was Harry Gregg who tipped off the Island manager Bertie. It was the first Georg’s Best 37 caps for Northern Ireland the Manchester United star was fast becoming a hero back home. Whether George was playing for Manchester United or Northern Ireland the goals and the admirers kept coming George Best was rising along with the talented Manchester United team than Matt Busby had put together there were establish stars at Old Trafford like Dennis Law and Bobby Charlton but even they were impressed with the youngster from Belfast. In time the combination of George Best Dennis Law and Bobby Charlton became one of the most potent partnerships English football has ever seen. Well his teammates were almost married George was good looking single man who was becoming a superstar in those days he spent a lot of time with Manchester city midfielder Mike Summerbe. In Lisbon March 1966 George announced his astonishing talents to an international audience his performance demolished the great Benfica in a 5-1 win scoring two early goals foe United the Portuguese press were  so amazed that they called him El Beatle. Both sides of the Irish Sea were captivated ny the phenomenon from the craigie thousand of kids like his future teammate Sammy Mcllroy were inspired. Sammy Mcllroy was at Belfast for perhaps George Best’s most celebrated performance in a Northern Ireland shirt an 1-0 win over Scotland.

In 1967 there was no one to touch Manchester United and another League title meant the United and Matt Busby would have another chance to win the trophy they cherished the most European cup and after the Munich disaster 10 years earlier the final at Wembley was particularly poignant Bobby Charlton along with United manager

Matt Busby was surviver Air Crash in Munich. It was the biggest game of George best life and he took the game to Benfica but it was actually Bobby Carlton who put United ahead in the first half then Benfica equalized and the final went in to extra time. Then the moment of truth for George best a chance to put Uniited ahead it was a decisive moment in the European cup final. It was Manchester United Matt Busby and George Best’s finest hour. Life went on for George Best though which meant some extraordinary moments on the football field and an extraordinary life off the field too. Matt Busbby retirement sent United in to decline and this was reflected in George Best form and enthusiasm for the game by that time  Tommy Docherty arrived at Old Trafford . George was missing training on a regular basis they both tried to make things right but before long it was clear that George Best was on his way out he was just 27 years old. So that was the end of George’s days in Manchester United he even quickly gained for a brief time which he spent in Spain. In a period of confusion BEST’S play a few games for Stockport county and the summer for Los Angeles Aztecs. Before signing for Fulham in West London which was the last English club to really get the benefits of George Best’s talents on the field. Later George was spending more and more time in USA where he met first wife Angie he may have been a fading star by now but George Best still held a fascination of football fans across the world. When he finally retired from football George’s life started to drift and without the game he loved alcohol. The problems mounted up for the superstar bankruptcy prison drink driving but at the root of everything was alcoholism. In 1995 George married for second time but there was nothing Alex Best could do to stop his addiction and neither could his friends and after dinner speaking engagement with Harry Gregg was one night when things went particularly wrong. But in November 2005 the situation with George’s liver took a turn for the worse and he died in hospital at the age of 59.
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JOHAN CRUYFF FOOTBALL GREATEST EVER

Johan CRUYFF was football enigma not only would he goes past defenders like they weren’t there he would outwit them too like a mathematician on the field he always manage to find another angle  there would always be another dimension to his plane. He had the perfect combination of intelligence and skill. Johan CRUYFF was born in Amsterdam NTHERLANDS in 1947 his home was close to the old Ajax stadium which was appropriate for such a talented kid but there was some tough moments in childhood for the youngster. His father died in the age of 12 and his second father was taken care by the field of Ajax. The youngster there was something of a prodigy CRUYFF made his professional football debut at the age of 17 scoring in his first match and making a name for himself on equal terms with the man he’d once seen as father figures. In 1966 Ajax were dominating the Dutch league they won the Eredivisie on their little help from their young centre forward scored 25 goals in 23 games. And 1969 Ajax made it to the final of the European cup where they met AC MILAN and they lose. It was bright stadium London evening at Wembley stadium 2^nd June 1971 it turned out to be the first defining moments for Johan CRUYFF and his Ajax side. It was the beginning of Ajax era where the likes of REAL MADRID and BENFICA once ruled European competition would now be dominated by a small club from the east of Amsterdam.

In 1972 Ajax were preparing for another final this time with new coach in charge. It was Ajax against INTER MILAN the match second half CRUYFF took the game from Italians. Two goals from CRUYFF puts Ajax their second European cup they were now in period of phenomenal success and there was never any doubting who was the jewel in the crown. But this was to be the last time that CRUYFF would hold the European cup as a player despite the celebrations there were problems behind the scenes which meant the Ajax star had to move on. So in 1973 the European player of the year and the best player in the world at the time chose to sign for Barcelona the locals the arrivals of CRUYFF and the impact he had was as good as a miracle.

Back then Barcelona hadn’t won the league for 14 years the club and the city needed a savior. It was a season full of sensational moments like the goal that CRYUFF scored against ATLETICO MADRID the phantom goals it become known to Catalans but remember that seasons for many reasons. Next year ago REAL MADRID and BARCELONA at the Bernabeu was perhaps the most famous match CRUYFF ever played for BARCELONA. BARCELONA didn’t just play well but they won 5-0. Almost every Catalans saw this as a symbolic victory over MADRID at  the time SPAIN was still under dictatorship of Franco a particularly tough time for Catalonia. 1974 was also a world cup year and HOLLAND arrived in WEST GERMANY with CRUYFF the best player in the world at the time and with growing reputation as a footballing nation. But HOLLAND were never going to look like fools stars like JOHAN NEESKENS , JOHNNY as well as CRUYFF himself would see to that. Once again it was the CRUYFF mikhail’s   partnership they’ve been together at Ajax then BARCELONA and now with HOLLAND they brought total football to the world cup. Against Sweden CRUYFF produce the move to define his talents it took a couple of seconds to lose the defenders but we’ve been talking about the CRUYFF turn ever since. Against ARGENTINA CRUYFF got his first goal of the tournament the orange machine was gathering force but the biggest challenge was still to come. In semi final after 65 minutes CRUYFF produced clinical finish to send Holland in final. they would face the host west GERMANY but they arrived at MUNICH in confident mood. It was an extraordinary start to a world cup final CRUYFF picked the ball and took on the GERMAN defense he got a penalty  and JOHAN NEESKENS blasted it home HOLLAND were ahead before any west GERMANS player had even touch the ball. The GERMANS fight back and they won a penalty and scored, The GERMANS reaction didn’t stop there and by halftime they were ahead this time through get more So CRUYFF and his Dutch team that had captured the imagination of so many finished as losing finalists. He may have been on the losing side but that team made a lasting impression on Dutch football CRUYFF and his side of 1974 were the inspiration for the generations that followed. He is like a Godfather of Dutch football. In 1974 CRUYFF was named the European player of the year for a third time and he continued his BARCELONA star for many  he’s the most influential player the club has ever had. After five years at BARCELONA 48 goals and 143 appearances CRUYFF retired from football for a short time but he wasn’t away for long I went to the united states. After spells with LOS ANGELES Aztecs and the WASHINGTON diplomats CRUYFF felt the time was right to head home and he made a spectacular return for Ajax against Harlan. Even now his life still revolves around sport the  Johan CRUYFF institute for sports studies has centers around the world helping athletes build their future careers and the CRUYFF foundation helps kids who didn’t have a chance to excel at sports. But by the time the CRUYFF had played his last game he could be spoken about as one of the very greatest players of all time. He won three BALLON D’ORS GOLDEN BALL and many major football trophies.

He dies on 24 march 2016 and football lost one of the greatest player of all time JOHAN CRUYFF                     

                                        GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN 

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