Football and me

I came to know and learn how to watch football when i was 16. My uncle introduced me to the game. Before that, i was quite pissed off when every channel was showing football. I couldn’t understand why the 22 men on the field have to chase after a stupid ball.

It all started in 1996 when England hosted the Euro 96, my favourite uncle came to visit us from HK. Educated and trained in England as a solicitor, my uncle support England and Manchester United. Hence, i would sit with him watching every single match. He would patiently explained to me all the match rules and regulations. Suddenly, i found myself shouting and cheering for England, even at 3am in the morning.

I got a lot of complains from my mother then.

Then, i saw this English player who played on the left flank of England. He was Steve Mcmanaman, a Liverpool player at that time. He impressed me with his speed and deadly crosses. I asked my uncle…
me: Uncle, who is that guy?
uncle: Oooh..Steve Mcmanaman.
me: Play for which club one?
uncle: Man Utd.

From that day onward, i had choosen Man Utd as my team in English Premier League. But, when i watched the first Man Utd match. I don’t see Steve Mcmananaman but instead there was the a even more impressive left winger. The No.11 of Man Utd, Ryan Giggs. My all time hero Ryan Giggs!!! Ever since then, i supported Man Utd and there was no turning back. Nevermind that, my uncle conned me into choosing Man Utd.

I developed a habit to pray for Man Utd before they kick off and chant a little prayer for them when they were behind. There was even once where the fan almost got my finger cuts off by the fan because i jumped up too high when Man Utd scored. When i sat down, i broke the chair…=P

Whenever, i bet on football ( i bet for fun sometime but not a gambler. =P), i will never bet any game that Man Utd or England is playing because i feel like i am selling off my loved one for money.