FormerRussianSpy

No worries man, I was on here a while before he was banned. Can't say I fancied his aggression on here either. Back on topic: Balotelli just knows just as well how to make the right statement at the right time as the wrong statement at the wrong time. But I think that's why he's such an interesting character. You never know what youre going to get from him.

No sir, why do you say that?

No better way to say "fuck you" to his coach/doubters :tophat:

I feel the same, man. I've grown up in California but most of my family lives in NZ (been there pretty much every year since I was born), but even here in the US there is so little exposure to diverse cultures and other ways of seeing the world. I have a big problem with the narrow-minded, egotistical world view that is pretty common here in America. I feel like living in England would just suit my personal interests better, if that makes sense? Sorry for getting off topic..

http://twitter.com/#.../mceachranstats Anybody seen this page? It doesn't really have a definite source to verify the stats this guy posts, but they do sound impressive. Example: "Josh McEachran at Swansea (pass accuracy) Own half: 98% - Attacking half: 93% and in the final third: 91% accuracy"

The velour effect on that Liverpool kit... And tribal? ...I forgot it was 1993

Anelka coaching = pure swag

Yes, exactly. I was more or less making a comment on how his performance in these Euros can potentially surpass (statistically, at least) his contribution from 2008 -- one which he was particularly commended for.

Maybe they are considering the way their attacking players (for the most part) fit into AVB's philosophy. VDV/Modric/Bale perhaps fit better into his strategy than our midfield (Mata being the exception)?

He only needs one more goal to surpass his total from Euro 2008... let's hope the next one is the final winner again

Villas-Boas as replacement?

That Swansea kit is pure class. (And muuuuuch better than the other god awful Red/Green -- obnoxiously Welsh -- kit they have)

Sky Sports is reporting the same -- 12 month contract looking to be confirmed this week http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7806018/Blues-close-on-appointment

I like the subtle blueness of the 'Samsung' as opposed to the usual black or white font. It could definitely be better (darker stripe, solid shoulders) but it is very clean and very easy on the eyes

I like the Lille kit, I always thought that sponsor was pretty seamless in integrating into the design regardless of its size. Also, isn't that new Everton kit black with gold? If so, then its not really a Barca copy (I think the barca one was yellow/black)

Did anybody else transfer him to Chelsea on fifa after it was made official?

Perfectly eloquent explanation of Andy Gray's signature "If you don't buy a ticket, you won't win the raffle" ?

Anybody here still apprehensive over this deal? I'm just not convinced that he is a constructive player within a team... he's exceptionally talented but too single-minded, just like a more experienced form of Danny

Agreed. But there is a little part of me that is gutted for Cahill on a personal level -- representing your country in a major competition is a serious personal achievement for any athlete

I haven't followed the Belgian team much do they usually line-up with Hazard central up front?

exactly.

Yeah, agreed. I feel that signing what looks to be a more balanced player with potential to improve is a more proactive decision than signing a purely offensive player of Hulk's age.

A player with rapid pace, a deadly right foot and (most importantly) real potential is a far better option than Hulk. Not to forget that he'd be nearly half the price and has proven himself in a substantially more defensive league

I understand the theory behind the three-match bans, but it seems a bit excessive considering that two of the games the ban includes are the biggest cup finals that UEFA has (CL Final and Super Cup)

Forgetting the absolute importance of Ramires' wing play in this last season is a sin. A central midfielder with the ability to push offensively is a far better option (Beñat from Real Betis, for example)