FC Barca, “Mes Que Un Club”(More than just a club) - How I fell in love with Barca- FIFA 21 Contest
I was in secondary school wayback, when there was no access to football matches abroad as it were even not easy watching so many football matches on television except it were continental games or some national team matches in this part of the world. I am a Nigerian. I was privileged to see an article on a sport column of a foreign newspaper where the Barca legend in the person of Johan Cryuff was being interviewed.
I have read about the flying Dutch (as I was not privileged to know him in his playing days as I was not yet born when he left Ajax for Barca, except the stuffs I saw on video). At this time, he was the one coaching the club. I have developed a very keen interest in him going by his football record. This time, he was reiterating why he chose Fc Barcelona over other clubs, amongst other things he talked about his support for what FC Barcelona stands for and that it is a football club more than just a club - “Mes Que Un Club”. Then his ideology about football swept me off my feet. This was at a period I was having the ambition to be a professional footballer.
- He talked about total football. And that football shouldn’t just be about scoring and winning goals. That in addition to that, the fans who have taken some time out of their busy schedules, should be given something in addition to winning goals, something to enjoy as great entertainment, something they would enjoy and make them to always looked forward to seeing their favorite team, FC Barcelona, playing. And such, he founded the “tiki-taka” style of football.
I started following the club, at this time, he was already in his third season in charge of the club as the manager and was heading towards his first La Liga title as a coach (this was 1990/91 football season).
His understanding of the game and how he was gradually effecting it into his team was making great senses. His philosophy about the game is second to none. Till now, I’m yet to see any coach, in my humble opinion, Who could match his understanding of the game. No wonder he’s called the father of modern football. This man brought in what is called total football. That was what Barcelona was playing. That was part of what endeared me to the team. That was how I started following the team. I would do anything to try and watch FC Barcelona games even if it were not a live match.
Then I started doing little research about this club I just fell in love with. And their philosophy, their models, their approach to the game and life generally, and what the team stood for, drew me closer to the club and before I knew it, in less than a space of six month, I was deep in love with FC Barcelona.
Even when I would not have access to their local matches, I would ensure I tuned in to BBC radio (as it were), to get the result of their games.
that year, Johan Cruyff won his first La Liga title as the coach. 1990/91 season. And the following year, he would go ahead to win a double, La Liga and European Cup (UCL) in 1991/92.
I would never forget that game against Sampdoria In the final of that season. Where Ronald Koeman scored the extra time goal to give fc Barcelona her first European cup title (which has always been the highest club title in Europe, renamed as European champions league now).
I can never forget that game against Sampdoria. When u remember that squad tagged “The Dream Team” era won me to FC Barcelona and I have remained with them ever since. From that Cryuffc dream team of the likes of Andoni Zubizarreta, Hristo Stoichkov, Bakero, Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup, Pep Guardiola to mention but a few through to the likes of Romário, Luis Enrique, Luis Figo. Then The era of Ronaldinho arrived and the likes of Eto’o arrived which ushered in the golden era of the like of Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Dani Alves, Sergio Busquet, Marquez, Seidu Keita, Victor Valdez, “Eric Abidal”, Thierry Henry. Pep Guardiola, who was a plaz5yer under Johan Cryuff, of course, understand Cryuff’s football philosophy, therefore, took it to another level and won titles within a period no club in the world could match. He perfected tiki taka. Although, after time, that particular style began to change gradually but my love for my darling team kept growing and increasing. Our philosophy to grow our youngsters paid off hugely for the golden era under Pep Guardiola up till the coming of Luiz Enrique as the coach in the summer of 2014. I can say the team has gradually drifted away from our traditional playing style, but worse is the way we have become these days. Our motto, “Mes Que Un Club”, does not seem to be operational and lots of things have gone wrong. But I have never stopped loving the team. I have grown to be passionate and sometimes emotional about anything Barca.
At the moment, we just pray things start working again well. I want my team back, I want to remain more than just a club. The way we have always been. When we respect and cherish ourselves very well and would not treat any of our own shabbily let alone our legends. I have grown to be a die hard fan and a loyal cule. I am emotional and concerned about anything Barcelona FC. Time would not permit me to continue as I could go on and on. There are lots of moments of joy and great celebrations that I can hardly remember the moments of pains. I couldn’t have asked for more.
I love my FC Barcelona from the moment I fell in love with the club till now.
Long live FC Barcelona.
Visca Braca, Forca Barca.
Barca!!! Mes Que Un Club.
Comments
Wow. Beginning a Cule journey by stumbling on Johan Cruyff's interview is so symbolic! I'm really impressed with your story. Would love to see more blog posts from you man!
Well expressed from hearth Sannu .Me too in the same in the same boat.Cheers. Long live Barca.
excellent post