Publisher's Synopsis
This is a lively blend of anecdote and analysis, from one of the towering figures in world football. Until the summer of 2003, when his club failed to bring home a single trophy, Jorge Valdano was the world-renowned Sporting Director of the biggest club in football, Real Madrid. An illustrious career which saw him play for, and manage, Real, as well as play alongside Maradona in the legendary Argentinian World Cup-winning side of 1986, ended prematurely when he fell ill in his late twenties. But, Valdano was to apply his quick-wit and intelligence on the pitch to other elements of the game and he soon acquired a reputation as the most intellectually progressive thinker on the modern game. In "Valdano on Football", Miguel Aguilar has collected the best of Valdano's writings, taken largely from the late nineties - a period of rebuilding and eventual renaissance at Real Madrid. Here are pieces on the genius of Maradona, Cruyff, Pele, and Garrincha, as well as thoughts on the 'galacticos' he brought to the club: Figo, Zidane, and Ronaldo. As an insightful commentator on the modern game and its aesthetics - and how they differ across the global game - Valdano is peerless.;His charisma and foresight shaped a dynasty in Spain; "Valdano on Football" is a testimony to the exacting intelligence behind that, and should prove an indispensible companion to the library of every serious football supporter. A book totally for the top flight, "Valdano" is the perfect super-sub. It includes a major review and feature coverage from "Four, Four Two"; "When Saturday Comes"; "Football Italia", and the "Observer Sport Monthly".
