Why We Love: Sergio Ramos

1. He is so awesome that he can talk to a ball!

Why We Love David Luiz

5. Here he is signing a new contract September, 2012. Who else can sign a contract like this?

4. He brings out The David Luiz in everybody around him!

 

3. Ah, that hair! *sigh*

2. A very good liar. If you want to frame somebody, be it for murder or a red card, he is your guy!

 1. What's not to love about a guy who is emotional and aint afraid to show it?

BONUS: He has some sort of connection with kids. Could it be may be kids get him?

 

 

Dear Suarez

Dear Luis,

I know you are well.

First, I want you to know that never in my entire life did I ever thought I would write to you. I do not like you and I do not like the club you are playing for. But then, I also do not like keeping things inside as I have a very small body, so I have to limit the amount of things I can store in me or I will overload it. 

And the quote by Dr. Iqbal on how you reminded him when it was time to break fast, that just put you in my People I like but I should not like list.

Okay, let's go straight to business.

This thing of you leaving Liverpool, Why? Okay, I know why. You said you want a fresh start and you want to be as far away from British media as possible because apparently they hate don't like you. (hate is a strong word, no?)

Luis, a lot of people don't like you. And if you want to play where you are liked a part from Liverpool, brother you are going to have a difficult time finding that place.

British media doesn't need to not like you to write whatever they write about you. You pretty much create your own stories and don't even give them a chance to add or remove anything as you always make sure there are as many witnesses as possible. They just report, that's it.

And during the PFA Awards, was that British media booing you? Because what we heard it was your fellow footballers! It is that bad.

And that thing you did against Ghana! You were being a patriot in your own wicked way but you just crushed millions of Africans dreams and disgust everyone who appreciates fair play. I for one, hated disliked you for that, still do.

Luis, you tend to make people dislike you. That's all on you. And the very kind Liverpool fans like you, they really do because despite every crime you have committed against humanity (too much?) they still stand behind you. They still defend you. And some, who I will never understand even have your photo for their their avis like my good friend @The_Waria! And the club has always stood by your side, for worse and for the worst!

That kind of committed club and especially supporters you will not get ANYWHERE else. You go to another club, you'll just be another expensive player and they will demand you deliver in the first three matches or you'll be called all kind of names. Just ask Torres on this one. You can start well but the minute it doesn't go in their preferred way, they'll still come after you and with the help of angry Liverpool fans who did not appreciate you leaving them high and dry.

Let me ask you this, if Torres stayed at Liverpool and had one or two bad seasons, do you think he'll be judged as he has been at Chelsea? If Ronaldo submitted a transfer request accusing the club of lacking ambition and then stayed, would Madridistas be as forgiving as Red Devils have been with Rooney? 

You get my idea? If you have any other reason, I wish you the best in your new club. But if you are leaving because the English media doesn't like you, please don't make that mistake. Right now you have Liverpool fans and club on your corner, leave and you'll have nobody on your corner. We have seen these things happen and they sure ain't pretty!

Good luck Luis and enjoy your vacation.

Regards,
Zama. (And yes, you don't know me).

Islam in the European Football World

I first just wanted to attach a video but as I kept searching I came across so many interesting information that I could not just keep to myself.

Bayern Munich

For some who do not know, Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery is also known as Bilal. He is a Muslim and has admitted to praying five times a day saying that prayers give him a sense of calmness, strength on and off the field. He also put in an official request to have a Mosque at Allianz Arena (Bayern's Old Trafford). The request was accepted where as the club agreed to building a mosque for Muslim players and fans which will have a full time Imam, Islamic library and Islamic sessions. The best part is, the club will finance 85% of the running costs while players and fans will have to take care of the 15%.

Bilal Franck Ribery

Barcelona

Abidal converted to islam when he married his wife. About the religion and his wife, this is what the Barcelona Legend has to say;

"All I can say is that I am happy to have a wonderful woman who has not only given her heart and two great kids, but also a religion that preaches peace."

Team mate Xavi, who is not a Muslim but pays a close attention to the activities of his Muslim team mates. He talks about how Muslim player were always provided with a place to do their prayers even back in his days at La Masia. Xavi even knows that Yaya was the 'priest' but after his departure Keita took over as the 'priest'. Most of all, Xavi respects Muslim players especially when they 'do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours' and yet find the strength to play like everybody else.

 Abidal reading Quran while on football duty.

Affelay and his parents.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid is probably the team (among European BIG clubs) with the most Muslim players, in numbers and quality. Until 2012 the club's logo had a cross. It was removed early 2012. People say it was a marketing strategy as they would not be able to penetrate the Middle East and Asia with a cross on their logo. Marketing strategy or no marketing strategy, thinking of making a club 'friendly' to their Muslim supporters is an effort we appreciate.

Mesut Ozil recites the Quran before matches and during national anthems when playing for Germany. He even went on telling his team mates not to disturb him when he is praying;

"I always recite from Quran before I go out (on the pitch). This really helps me to keep me focused. I pray and my team-mates know that they cannot talk to me during this brief period."

By 2012 Real Madrid had six Muslim players; Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema, Sami Khedira, Nuri Sahin, Hamit Altintop and Lassana Diarra.

Mesut Ozil and his mother.

 

Karim Benzema praying before a match against Barcelona.

Those are some that I managed to cover with the limited time that I have. Muslim Peoples have an even longer list, if you are interested. 

It is good to see that Muslims and Non Muslims can co-exist, play some beautiful entertaining football, win and loose together as a team. Islam IS a religion of peace.

Some of these footballers will be playing while fasting. May Allah bless their souls and make it an easy and blessed Ramadhan to them and to every Muslim.

I did not forget about EPL, here is a program done by BBC which also takes credit for inspiring me to write this piece.

Some photos that I really liked.

Nasri kinda makes me think I can design Eid cards, and by designing I mean putting this photo at the front of the card.

I love the amount of respect in this one. Imagine you want to celebrate a goal but have to cool yourself down so the goal scorer can pray. Muslims will find that easy but mind you, these teammates are non Muslim and probably don't even believe in prayers.

Ribery and Altinkop went for Umra in 2009.

They even took time to pose with fans/brothers.

 Taarabt after he scored against West Ham.

Wakaso (Ghana).

Ramadhan Kareem.

Sources: Loonwatch, Reli Journal, Humor Book, Maibelopah, Muslim Peoples.

Football Bromances: Marcelo and Enzo

Get to know Enzo the footballer here.

One thing we are 110% sure of is, this bromance will last forever! Enzo has already said that until his 15years suspension by FIFA is done, he will go wherever Marcelo goes.

If Xaviesta bromance was made in football heaven, this one was made in that heaven we all religious people believe in. This one has God blessings all over it!

They have been spotted in various matching items;

Same shorts

... and pose

 

 

They even have a matching smile!

 

This bromance does not lack competition! Poor Marcelo has to compete with;

David Luiz

 

Pato

Benzema

And the most determined of all, Neymar!

Note that Neymar is giving his Confeds medal to Enzo!

But every bro knows that, shoes over medals any day!

 

Most bromantic gesture

Their celebration style!

Enzo they got swag!

Most photos from Marcelo's Intagram's account (@Marcelo12_rm)

Football Bromances: Introducing Enzo

Before this next bromance let me introduce Enzo. And for those wondering what club/national team Enzo plays for, well, NONE.

Too expensive that no club can afford him and too talented that FIFA banned him!

Check out Enzo in action;

When he shoots the ball in the air, you just have to take your soda because that ball is not coming back anytime soon!

How many people can make Neymar sit on a football pitch while playing?

 

And he scores!

Has the best goal celebrations ever!

Take a bow! David Luiz did!

Did I mention his mad skills?

After that intro, get ready for this football bromance of all football bromances!

Good afternoon.

Football Bromances: Xaviesta

Xavi and Iniesta! - This is a match made in football heaven!

Playing together at Barcelona and Spain, these two don't just connect off pitch but on pitch too.

They are both quiet, private and humble individuals. They kinda prove wrong the say 'opposite attracts'!

Even when you Google, try any of the two names then add 'and' and see the first option! Coincidence?

Is it also a coincidence that Xavi wears Number 6 for Barca and 8 for Spain while Iniesta wears Number 8 for Barca and 6 for Spain?

Since these two are too private to even declare their bromanceship in public here are eight photos which sums up to 8,000 words! Let every photo say 1000 words to you.

For Barcelona. 86

For Spain. 68

Training buddies. Good thing they are of the same height.

They always find a way to be together, even in a crowd!

Like any other good bromance, someone will always try to come between them!

A key to a good bromanceship, talk it out!

And all is well!

And when football is done, we have a band!

NOTE: 

More bromances coming right here.