Comments on: Sonnet for a Portuguese

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:47:37 +0000

Ronaldo will break my heart when he eventually goes to the enemy Real. There’s an exodus going on at Barca…ahem ahem…Ronaldo there’s an opening, come take a peek. The red and blue will look good on you.

Enough of my wishful thinking…

I also only know of futebol moderno. Those times must have tested a manager’s developmental skills and patience greatly. Today, some teams do it for other managers indirectly. We know of Ajax, F.C. Porto, Sporting, and nearly the entire Brazilian League are some who have helped develop outstanding players. It’s hard for me to imagine, and it does seem like a fairytale.

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:25:22 +0000

Big Football, you’ve given me an idea for a post, but it may take me a while to put it together. Even though I know nothing else besides calcio moderno, there’s something about the “fairytale” days that you’ve described that’s very appealing. And yet that disturbs me because it isn’t rational–the quality of the football these days must certainly be higher, at least for the top clubs.

By: The Big Football

The Big Football — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:27:15 +0000

I always remember the slogan Italian ultras used in regard to what’s happening in today football: “”No al calcio moderno!”

The time when clubs had to grow most of the team from children to the big squad, qualify for Europe and play a similar team from another country seems like a fairytale to me and probably to all the young men that now follow football!

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:36:28 +0000

Adam, when I first started following footy I actually paid attention to summer transfer rumors. I remember reading something that claimed that Ryan Giggs was going to leave United to go play in Italy–and, to my horror, I actually thought it was true. Now that just seems laughable. Transfer speculation seems to be a popular summer sport in England, just like cricket and Formula One. So my current policy is to laugh off all such talk until somebody signs on the dotted line.

I do understand why Ronaldo wants to go to Real. I can put myself in his shoes–it’s closer to home and it’s big-time La Liga glamor. He’s already proven himself in the EPL and Champions League so now he wants to see how he does in another league. Who can blame him? But Sir Alex has an iron will. He gave Crissy a big chance when he was very young and he no doubt wants to get yet another year of service out of the club’s investment. With league play less than a month away, I’d be surprised if Ronaldo left at this point. But I do think he’ll be gone after a year or two at the most.

By: Adam

Adam — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:35:17 +0000

I’ve heard a bunch about this, Man U say he’s going nowhere, he’s not for sale, and he’ll be playing for Man U next season. He (Ronaldo) keeps expressing a desire to go to Real and the media are on his side.

I thought FIFA bosses comparison to modern day slavery was a little extreme. Slaves don’t get paid to work.

I’m not too into poetry, but I thought it was great! Do you think Ronaldo will leave?

By: Fredorrarci

Fredorrarci — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 23:47:21 +0000

Bravo! Encore!

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:35:52 +0000

Actually, there was a collection of poems entitled Sonnets from the Portuguese and the one you mentioned is probably the most famous.

What do you mean? I take the sentiments in your little limerick very seriously!

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:21:16 +0000

I had to Google “Browning sonnet” to understand your joke, but now I get it. Her “How do I love thee” poem was titled Sonnet from the Portuguese.

Good one. Consistent with the theme of things not taken seriously.