Publisher's Synopsis
The story of the rise and transfer of ex-Manchester United and Holland defender Stam. He talks frankly about the personalities at Old Trafford, winning trophies and his surprising move to Lazio. Now recognised as one of the best central defenders in the world, Jaap Stam was a huge influence in Manchester United's 1998/99 Treble winning season and continues to earn the plaudits for his performances at both club level and for Holland. In this his first book, Stam reveals what it is like to play for the biggest and most famous football club in the world, sharing the limelight with the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Roy Keane. On boss Alex Ferguson, he explores the myth behind the man and his methods, and talks about training and match preparation, dressing room secrets at the time of their Treble success, and the transfer saga involving his former PSV team-mate Ruud Van Nistelrooy. There is also the hitherto untold story of the problems he encountered when first settling in at Old Trafford, how he almost missed out on his dream move, and the way he was written off at the time as 'a waste of money' by the press. On the international stage, Stam looks at the strengths and weaknesses of British players compared to foreign counterparts like Dennis Bergkamp and Edgar Davids, while at Dutch club level he focusses on his relationship with key personalities like Bobby Robson and Ronaldo. Revised and updated to include season 2002/03, which includes a shocking and swift o18m transfer to Rome giants, Lazio, his role in Holland's failure to qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals and his recent suspension following a positive text for the banned substance nandrolone. What a season.
