Market Madness

So the transfer market has been in full swing almost everyone is linked to everywhere worth at a minimum 100 Million each. The most shocking thing to me has been the dramatically overvalued price tag put on players by club owners. For example Napoli president labeled Cavani as worth 100 Million Euros. In the official NYF opinion: that is a lot of money.

Another fun bit has been the outrageous buyout clauses in players contracts. For example: Neymar 45 Million Euros, Pastore 50 Million Euros, Hulk 70 or 100 Million Euros (depending on who you ask).



Final bit of the day.



In attempt to keep gossip from spreading Manchester United threw three sheets to the wind to hide David De Gea's medical evaluation from spying eyes. Nice try boys.

monkey business

There have been many allegations of FIFA's corruption in recent news. We at Not Your Football are here to clear up this web of confusion.

Yes, Sepp Blatter and his administration are currupt. Yes, they have been accepting bribes and showing nepotism through their "Ol' boy" network. And yes, Qatar did buy the 2022 World Cub bid.

Now that we have cleared this up for the world, we can only hope for a reconsideration from the committee to host the 2022 World Cup elsewhere, where it would be more progressive for the sport.

Any Questions?

There's No Worst in Team

The talk about United this season has been largely negative. "The worst United team of the century" was one quote I think I read at some point. Sure their season has been marked by periods of mediocrity. Are they really "the worst" thought, I doubt that.



Most fans of any time would regard a domestic league title, champions league final, and FA cup semi as a successful campaign. Yet still it brings the doubts and criticisms of commentators, haters, and supporters; at times almost pushing that United (and football) should be shameful that this team has done so well. Conversely in my opinion good teamwork and management is nothing to be ashamed about.

It seems that what these detractors are looking for in football success are stars and drama, two things United has stayed away from this season. Sure Fergie and Rooney have gotten flak for choice vocabulary, but when compared with the Real drama and Barca hype United may be seen as boring. Rooney has had a more supportive (yet still potent) role, Berbatov quitely shared top honors for goals in the Premier League, and the even the leagues MVP a United defender seems a football let down. The largest bit of excitement (or smallest depending on the context) has come from a mexican striker, although even this seems double edged as in the media it seems his nationality somehow has taken away from his football success.

Overall isn't this what the game is about? Playing as team, using all your options to consistently put out the best side each week, remaining modest despite monstrous success, and winning; these are things every team pines for. United should be heralded for this success, not diminished for not having the flashy, showy, $$$$, drama of some of its rivals. There is not worst in team success.

A Cure for Cancer (At Least Domestically)

Haven't won a domestic league title in a while? We have an answer for you. Get Zlatan Ibrahimovic. 

Despite rumors of an affair with the Wookiee (Gerard Pique), apparently Zlatan has won eight STRAIGHT domestic league titles with five different clubs. Surprised? Yeah we are too. AC Milan had not won Serie A since the 03-04 season. So they did what any intelligent club would do. Grab Ibra.

Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, whoever is desperately in need of a league title, get out the checkbook. The Swede might be getting some serious suitors this summer, sorry Pique. 

A Win for Barca and A Loss for Soccer

So the third installment of El Clasico is finished with Barca coming away with a 2-0 away win. On face value this seems good for the sport, the best team in the world is likely to make the European final. Unfortunately the cost is the sports credibility, especially with fans in the US.

Fans in the US constantly complain that their "problem with soccer" is all the diving, and the first leg of the Champions League semi only confirmed their doubts. As the saga unfolded, it eventually looked more like a theatrical interpretation of the high dive at the olympics, then a tactical matchup between two titans of European football. The pivotal moment came as Pepe was sent off as Dani Alves played dead on the ground after being at most "grazed" by Pepe; an odd sight considering the amount of tattoo's and general badass appearance of the Brazilian. This red card changed the match as the keystone of Real's effort had been removed and the defense crumbled. Although this was not the end to the theatrics.

In the end Barca was the more culpable of the two actors, as Alves, Biscuits, and Pedro took turns vying for the top spot on the diving squad. Although Real was not immune from all blame, as Di Maria the shrew threw himself on the grass if a Barca player was even close to him. By the end the back and forth splashes into the pool created possibly the most disgusting display of top football ever. Capped by Mourinho's self-victimization claim and middle-school girl style sulking in the stands. With exception of Messi's brilliant second goal and Ibrahim Afellay's energizing performance, this was not a football match based on pride, professionalism, and football tactics, but ACT III in Shakespeare's 21st century drama.



If soccer is going to maintain any notion of credibility, especially in the states where contact sports are revered, this problem needs to be resolved. Players might start thinking twice about a leap into the pool, if it is promptly followed by a costly yellow card. UEFA use the power you have and get a handle or it, for the sake of the sport.

Vermin

We're not saying Luis Suarez is a chipmunk...
We're just saying he looks like a rodent.

Tie to Barça as good as a win for Real

The first of 4 El Clasico matchups we will see within the next month was this weekend. The game was as contentious as one could have imagined. The game ended in a 1-1 draw with both Messi and Ronaldo scoring from penalty kicks. It was CR's first goal against Barcelona.

Barcelona didn't look like themselves, especially during the second half. I think a lot of that had to do with Real essentially playing with with 5 defenders with Pepe as a holding midfielder. Even after Albiol left with a red card, Barcelona was not able to put the nail in the coffin with a 1 man advantage.

Also, Ronaldo wore the newest special colorway of the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III. They appeared to be a cross between the CR safari shoes and a new pattern.

The future of the Red Cross

Manchester City took a beating at the hands of Liverpool this afternoon. Andy Carroll scored 2 goals in this win. But the important question is: Why does Carroll grab Skertel's waist in a suggestive-looking manner before every corner kick?

Between Andy Carroll, Adam Johnson and Theo Walcott, England's attacking future looks bright from here. Somebody tell Fabio Capello to get these guys some caps and let the fossils quietly die.

Esteban Ochocinco

Chad Ochocinco is currently trying out for Sporting Kansas City. Some have questioned his motivation for doing so, citing publicity as his fuel. I think the guy is an athlete, entertainer and a business man. Therefore I think that he has several motivations for doing so but I don't question his love for the game.


Being a kicker does not equate to playing soccer, but he has proven time after time his love for playing. He took a trip to Spain this winter to hang out with players from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Ochocinco with Messy the shrimp.

Iniesta the baldy

Xabi Alonso, what a beast.

RAMOS!

Visit to Spain


Below is a press conference in Kansas City


I think that in general, this is a good thing for the sum total of the sport of soccer.

El Clásico 2012

Real Madrid is staying classic for the 2011-2012 season with these Adidas jerseys.


Barcelona has sold their souls to the Qatar Foundation and Nike has rewarded them with matching nasty jerseys.


The official position of this blog is that the new Barça kits are atrocious. I can't wait to see what the alternates look like.

6 Geese A Laying... 5! Match Ban!

Fergie can take another vacation because he won't be allowed on the touchline for 5 full games. 5 GOLDEN GAMES! In case anyone forgot (You may have forgotten though since it took a full two weeks for the FA to hand down a decision. I forgive you) , Sir Alex is receiving this present from the FA for openly criticizing (berating) Martin Atkinson in post match commentary at the Bridge. This is an unprecedented fine from UEFA. To me it means a couple things. 1) Sir Alex is out of control and 2) I guarantee the next thing we hear about of Sir Alex's mouth is that we need... robots... refereeing...football matches... (sigh) Sir Alex is never going to give up on that one. Oh well. He will have lots of time to think about it now with his ban.

In all seriousness he deserved it though. The referees in football (especially in English football) are not being respected and losing their control of the game. Hopefully this ban will set a precedent and give the men in stripes the confidence and security to referee games impartially.

Last comment. Everyone laugh at Bayern Munich. They just got ARSENAL'D!

Buy or Sell: Goran Pandev

You're looking at the class of the Nerazzurri attacking consisting of Samuel Eto'o and Wesley Sneijder. Inter managed to come back from a 2-1 deficit to pass Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16 this afternoon.

They were able to win dispite Goran Pandev. While Pandev scored in '88 to put Inter ahead, I am still very skeptical of his contributions to the team. Last week he squandered several chances against Brescia in Serie A league play, ultimately helping to cost them a win.

In my humble opinion: Sell, Sell, Sell!

Arsenal - Batting 1.000

Arsenal is batting 1.000 in not winning trophies in major competitions again this year. And I am also 3 for 3 in bets against Arsenal in the big game. In the span of two weeks a trophy STARVED Arsenal club managed to lose against Birmingham in the Carling Cup final, at Camp Nou in the Champions League, and at Old Trafford in the FA Cup semis! All that is left now for the poor GOONARS is the league. I doubt that is going to happen. Highly doubtful. I don't even like ManUre. In fact I despise the devils, but I can't help but laugh at Arsenal. Again.

Arsenal'D!

Under Armour gaining ground, Nike swapping

Starting with the 2012-2013 season, Under Armour will be the brand that outfits The Tottenham Hotspur. The deal is for five years and worth $81 million.

In other news, after losing the Russia contract to Adidas 2 years ago, Nike recently picked up France (from Adidas) as shown below in the friendly game against Brazil.
I must say that Nike's new take is more tasteful than the Adidas options from the past.

One thing is for certain

Pato is freaking ripped. Is that why he sucked today and the Spurs beat the once mighty mighty AC Milanense(?) Bosstones?

Pato and Ibra were invisible all day. They were probably too distracted from checking each other out. Peter Crouch played for a few minutes. No robot dances. That about sums up the game.

Spurs advance! Spurs advance!

Arsene Agrees: Need Robot Referees

See I told you so.

1) Arsenal was going to lose to Barca. It was inevitable. Deal with it.

2) We need ROBOT Referees! Now Arsene thinks so too! At least based on his comments after his recent match at the Camp Nou he does... To put it in his own words, the HUMAN referee KILLED the match! Cost his team with CHEAP goals! No way a robot would do that. In fact a robot would get all the calls right! That's right! Flawless! A flawless victory for Arsenal! We were watching perfection from the GOONARS right there. Perfection, but we couldn't see it because we are human just like the referee that KILLED the game. Right Arsene? Oh and RvP agress too.. and Nasri... and the whole Arsenal fan base. So I must be right. Robot Refs. First Fergie. Now Arsene. Robocop statues for all (but not Detroit)!

Arsenal still sucks. Liverpool doesn't!

Over the weekend, BIG moves happened.

1) Arsenal drew 0-0 to Sunderland.

2) Liverpool thrashed United 3-1.

This would have been the PERFECT opportunity for Arsenal to gain ground, but they didn't. They dropped points to a Sunderland squad who didn't know what points looked like. I'm sure young stud Jack Wilshere will still talk some trash, spark some verbal abuse on the pitch, or call out Pep midweek. In other news, Pep and his boys will thrash Arsenal at Camp Nou. It is inevitable. Then Arsenal can concentrate on the league and not use "all the competitions" excuse for dropping points...

Oh and Liverpool's re-invigoration continues under the King. Suarez looks like the REAL deal. For the second week in a row He made something out of nothing, giving Kuyt a tap in to go ahead 1-0. KUYT gets the hat trick which was a just reward for his tireless workman-like pace on and off the ball. Suarez should get man of the match though. The kid is a total footballer and I LOVE it. Now if Liverpool can only get Andy Carroll to contribute...

Buy or Sell: Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema has scored 4 goals in his last two La Liga appearances. Before then, he had 3 goals in 22 apps. He quickly fell out of favor with narcissistic manager José Mourinho and has been benched since locker room lawyer Emanuel Adebayor was added during the January transfer window.

However, Benzema has proven to be the teams' best striker in Champions League competition. Winning Champions League is one of the major reasons Mourihno was brought on as Real Madrid's manager and Benzema seems like an integral tool in doing so. He had a hat-trick in one game and scored the only goal against dark horse Lyon.

As long as Gonzalo Higuaín is unavailable, my humble advice is to keep Benzema in. He's finally warmed up.

Word on the Street: Atlético Madrid

There is an alleged rumor going around in Madrid that winger José Antonio Reyes and second fiddle striker Sergio Agüero have a pact to not pass the ball to star striker Diego Forlán. To what can this turmoil be attributed: envy, lack of chemistry?
More info. to come

The Time is Now...

For Robot Referees.



Above is a perfect example of NEW AGE refereeing in sports. The ref above happens to have an AmEx black card he is showing off because he is so well paid. He actually has a yellow and red one too... for the game of course.

In all seriousness though, I am tired of hearing managers complain about games or tired of having referees not have the St. Ones to card a Chelsea player at the bridge. David Luiz should have been sent off for maybe half a dozen tackles prior to the PK granted to Chelsea. But he wasn't. Instead he scored the leveler and remained on the pitch while Chris Smalling got called for one of the softest penalties I have seen. A robot referee would have had the guts... ahem... circuitry to card Luiz earlier in the game and ignore that BS foul on Smalling. Instead we have Chelsea with a HUGE comeback win (granted it is slightly funny that Blues fans think they still have a shot at the league) and Fergie criticizing a refereee likely resulting in some sort of FA punishment on the knight. How can you punish a knight?!?!?! He must be right. He has good judgment!

Regardless, this is getting tiresome. We either need some refs with some serious St. Ones (like maybe a lesser version of Howard Webb minus the United kit underneath his ref gear) or some cyborg refs. I am up for the latter. Robocop on the pitch would be pretty awesome.

Bayern Loses. Who really cares?

Bayern Munich got crushed at home by Borussia Dortmund. This Dortmund squad is running away with the Bundesliga, while Bayern has all the talented players and highest payroll in the league. What a crock. Bayern Munich is overrated. It will be only a few days now before Robben/Ribery peacin' rumors start. I don't care if Bastian S(can't spell his name) signed a new contract. It will only take the end of the season before he hands in a transfer request to head to Chelsea.

Bottom line here: 1) Bayern Munich sucks (they lucked their way into the CL Final last year... directly referencing their anomaly of a win at OT) and 2) German football sucks (when compared to England and Spain). The best teams in Europe are in Spain and England. Sorry Italy. Same goes for Italian football. At least Italy can put together a couple CL winning squads though and compete on the European level.

Bayern is going to get ripped apart this summer if they don't qualify for CL play next season. Van Gaal will be fired and the Bundesliga will lose all credibility unless Dortmund can make a run in next year's CL.

The Shot Heard Round the Bridge

The shot heard round the bridge? Or wasn't it heard? Not sure. Either way no one knew about it. Ca$hley Cole took after all the great North American 'footballers' (see the two geniuses Tank Williams and Shaun Rogers). Not only that he then SHOT someone. What an idiot? Really Ashley? Great idea. I don't care if you booted a ball out of the stadium to knock your Blues out of the FA Cup. You don't go around shooting people. Just like you don't go around sleeping with mistresses or crashing your car every other month. Oh wait. You do those things to? Yea I guess this one makes sense then.



Good thing the kid is ok and it was a pellet rifle. Still somehow everyone on the Chelsea staff managed to NOT see this happen. NOT see the aftermath (including Ashley?) and NOT realize an intern was in the hospital receiving treatment days later. Maybe someone should... eh... yea that's too far. Nevermind. Good one Ca$hley. Can't wait to see the punishment handed down for this one.

Zigic! Brum! Arsenal'D!

The Carling Cup just ended and overwhelming favorites Arsenal, LOST! Well I guess Birmingham won on a cheap Martins goal in the 89th. Either way Arsenal again shot themselves in the foot and failed to end their title drought. One bright spot for Arsenal was my BOI, RvP who scored a beauty of a volley in the first half to level the score. Then he got hurt... like always... Robin! Stop getting hurt! Anyways, not trophies for Arsenal. The verb-age Arsenal'D is going to become very popular in the future.



Birmingham stuck to a game plan and lady luck fell their way. They had a CLEAR penalty denied of them in the first 3 minutes of the game, but they didn't hang their heads. Instead they got the ball to their BIG man Zigic who put them ahead. Then shoddy Arsenal defense and poor goalie play (what else is new for the Goonars?) resulted in Birmingham hoisting the trophy! OH man! I am watching it now and its beautiful. I don't care how this affects Liverpool's chances of playing in Europe next season. This is just too good. Good for Brum and good for their manager, Alex McLeish.

Back to Square One

Welp that was fun. Liverpool's 9 game unbeaten run ends rather (un)dramatically. The Reds did not show up for today's game. They were outclassed on the pitch, especially the defensive third.

Demba Ba was electric for West Ham. And somehow Carlton Cole sealed the deal. I won't criticize Liverpool's players although everyone on the pitch today could have played better. King Kenny will have much work to do before the showdown with Manchester United.

Back to square one though. Time to start a new unbeaten streak. YNWA.

Gattuso the Barbarian Part II

Just as a matter of resolution, UEFA charged our good old friend Gennaro with assault! of Spurs coach Joe Jordan!

ASSAULT! and a 5 game match ban. Gulp. Well he did try to choke slam Joe... and he headbutted him... I guess UEFA isn't good friends just yet with Vince McMahon. Hopefully they will be though once Vince invests in a team abroad!

OH and here is what Gennaro had to say - "They gave me a five-match ban... they may as well have put me in prison for a month! I wanted to be at the second leg in London, but was advised not to go. There’s 37,000 of them in that stadium, I’d have returned with a swollen face from 37,000 slaps." Meh it's only a bunch of Tottenham supporters Gennaro. You might have heard 37k chant in unison at you but even that is doubtful.

Tangerine anyone?

'Arry Redknapp would love more than just one Tangerine. He wants 3! 3 for the amount of goals his so called CL/PL/Top 4 side let in against Ian' good ole oranges over at Bloomfield Lane. After an epic win for the Spurs at the San Siro last week, they fell flat on their faces. Bassong made a clumsy tackle. 4 foot sitters were missed left and right. Blackpool defended and counter attacked to perfection. Only a late Roman "Where are you going this week?" Pavluchenko saved them the embarrassment of becoming the first team to be shut out at Bloomfield this season.

And after all of this we are supposed to believe the Spurs are a top 4 side that is here to stay? Wrong. You have to at least take a point from these games Spurs. I don't care about injuries. Maybe you shouldn't rely on a player like Jonathan Woodgate then. He is good for say 36 minutes a year anyway. Get a grip. They are having a nice run. A nice but inconsistent run over the past one and a half seasons. Chelsea and Liverpool are nipping at their heels though for that Top 4 spot. I am guessing that one of those two grab it (probably the Blues) over the Spurs.

They just can't play consistently. The defense is full of holes. I kinda expect Milan to walk over them at White Hart next week, but I guess we will have to wait and see. Oh and Charlie Adam saw what it would be like to play for Tottenham as well. I'm sure he is hoping Liverpool or Manchester United throw another 10 mill at Ian this summer.

I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH!!!

The 88 nets a double for the Bhoys as Celtic downs Rangers for the second time this season. Putting the Hoops 8 points clear atop the SPL.





Rangers financial troubles begin to manifest on the pitch. Looking down each beach its clear to see monetary woes at Ibrox have allowed Celtic to nearly double the Blueshirts in the talent reservoir. The £4m spent on Nikica Jelavic has proven to be a wasteful signing for Rangers as he has yet to produce during the always contentious and potentially season altering Glasgow derbys.

Two Down. One to Go.

Well it looks like Chelsea managed to eliminate themselves from another competition this weekend. There will be no 3-peat for the Blues, but Phil Jackson might still get his for the Lake Show... Everton beat Chelsea in penalty kicks. Ca$hley Cole got spooked by Heitinga who literally gave him the cold shoulder.



Gotta love that. In the middle of the pitch at the Bridge. How was there no street brawling after the game???? That was ridiculous! Cashley looked SO SPOOKED after that. He just assumed Johnny would move I guess? Well he guessed wrong. Hilarious.

OH YEA and then Cole totally botched the kick. Chelsea crashed out. And now they have ONE trophy left to play for, the Champions League, which I highly doubt at this point they will win. Ancelotti is rumored to be on his way out the door. The team has gotta be shell shocked. What to do now? Concentrate on the CL? Make sure to finish 4th in the league? (which won't be an easy task with what is becoming a disgruntled locker room) Fernando Torres must be so pumped to be playing for such a BIG club right now. So big they will likely not win a trophy this year and they may not play CL football next year.

Gattuso the Barbarian

Gattuso went all wrestling style on everyone. He was prepping for the return of the Rock for Wrestlemania with a quick choke hold of Spurs coach Joe Jordan and then a swift butt of the head. Typical Gennaro. He should really take over for my BOI, Santino Marella in the WWE. Then he could score with my GIRL, Maria.

Meh anyway, pretty sure Gattuso is not getting away with that one.

Spurs won btw. 1-0. Good showing Milan.

Captain...(fat)...Frank?

What a fatty. England just set a record for fattest captain ever. Even fatter than that Hungarian guy, Puskas? Maybe they are trying to copy that Hungarian squad with an even fatter captain. Afterall Hungary did obliterate off England (see 6-3 demolition in 1953 at Wembley) back in the day.





Great idea England. Field more players like Fat Frank and this guy Puskas.

HONESTLY though.. Frank isn't even good at soccer. I am NOT being a weightist (?). Just because he is FAT Frank doesn't mean he can't be good. Too bad he is neither. Lampard is a black hole on the field. He doesn't play both ways and he doesn't create enough. Gerrard is twice the player and I even venture to say Barry is more of an asset on the pitch.

Hang up the cleats Frank and lose some weight.

What's Wrong Nando?!

YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED AT A BIG CLUB!

Come on Fernando. I thought you were GOING to a BIG club to CHALLENGE for a league title and play Champions League FOOTBALL! Maybe you thought wrong? Just like I said before, I think in the long run Fernando will regret this move deeply. You could see it Sunday in the biggest match of the season so far for both clubs. Chelsea looked old, confused, and disorganized. Their 3 striker formation backfired. Nando failed to link up and a sliding block by Carragher prevented Torres from making any stamp on the game. Not only that but Chelsea just looked poor. Liverpool could have won that game 2-0 or 3-0 had they capitalized on some 'sitters' and good chances.

Liverpool are now only 6 points behind Chelsea/Tottenham for the 4th spot and Champions League football. I predict that they won't get Top 4 by season's end, BUT they will at least make it interesting. Next season it will be anyone's league. King Kenny has got the boys playing inspired football and he made a point in this weekend's fixture. "NO player is bigger than the club".

OH YEA and nice elbow by Agger!

The Invincibles?

Nope you're not seeing things Fergie. Your boys just lost to the Wolves to end their impressive unbeaten run. Wolves! Mick McCarthy's wolves! What a crock! After narrowly escaping a shock loss to Blackpool a week earlier, ManUre dropped 3 point today by losing to the lowly relegation-battling Wolves 2-1.

Good day to be a Liverpool fan. Arsenal blows a 4 goal lead. ManU loses to Wolves. The SAME Wolves side who lost to Liverpool 3-0 a week ago. I guess that win is a bit better than we thought Reds fans...

Let's beat Chelski and that traitor tomorrow!

Arsenal...LOL

How can ANYONE respect a team to win the title when they are up 4-0 20+ minutes into a game and somehow manage to drop 2 points. Its time to shut the door on the Gunners and maybe Wenger for that manner. You can't blow a W with a 4 goal lead. It is inexcusable. The team is the same as usual. This summer Fabregas will leave. Then what? Same team every year. They won't compete for a title. They will make a mini-run in CL play and they won't win a significant trophy (carling cup doesn't count).

What a joke. Newcastle... 4-0.... 4-4... LOL

Andy Carroll: Is He Worth It?

(He's a freaking behemoth)

I didn't really want to touch this subject, but I will since it seems that is all any Liverpool critic is talking about. Andy Carroll is probably not worth 35M pounds in terms of his previous production on the field. The signing was a gamble, but at least a calculated one at that. Andy has the ability to be the best. He is a hulking physical presence on the field. He wins everything in the air and has been developing his finishing touch. 5 years from now he could have 30 English caps and be the every day #9. It was a calculated risky move. With the money from the Torres deal (ugh...) Liverpool had to make a move.

If anything though it is important to note that this is a CLEAR signal of the INTENT of the new owners. They want to win. They want to build a team the right way. They just brought in two strikers over 20M a piece at the ages of 22 and 24 years. I have no doubt in my mind that both Luis and Andy will be vital roles this year in our chase for Europe and next year in our chase to be back in the Top 4.

I can't wait to see them both on the pitch!

I'm Not Your Babe, Fernando...

Seriously Nando? I know this is a bit behind, but how the hell did this happen? Fernando Torres submitted a transfer request for Chelsea... AND we accepted? I guess 50M pounds is too much to turn down. I think it is at least. The guy hasn't been healthy for a full season yet in the prem league. I doubt he will be for his entire five years at Chelsea. Can I say fingers crossed there? Do I hope the guy is on the trainers table? Well... do you want the truth? No. I don't. But I also hope that Liverpool wins a title before Chelsea wins one.

The move just doesn't make sense to me. Chelsea are a team on the decline. They are old. There wages are holding back their expectations to meet the new FIFA fair play rules, meaning they may not even play in Europe in a couple years. You hear that Nando? Do you understand that?

WTF??? IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?

They aren't contending for the league this year and they haven't looked all that great in cup play either. I just don't get it. I watched Torres' interview with ChelseaTV. He looks miserable. It really does look like he just made a mistake and is now realizing it. He just doesn't have the same excitement as when he first signed for Liverpool. It has to be an uncomfortable feeling to leave for the money to a team like Chelsea. In one years time, Liverpool could be top 4 and Chelsea could be a mid table team. Age catches up to a squad fast.

Have fun Nando. It was fun a couple years. I bet you'll be begging to be back at the Merseyside within three years.