LEGANES, Spain — “And then he hit it bloody brilliantly, so I ended up looking like a champ.” Javier Aguirre bursts out laughing, and not for the last time. He’s reflecting on Manuel Negrete’s superb, acrobatic volley at the 1986 World Cup — and Aguirre’s “assist” for the goal, if that’s not too generous a
Leganes
Javier Aguirre remembers watching Lionel Messi for the first time in 2002 and had “no doubts” he’d be great. 17-year-old Lionel Messi lists Maradona, Ronaldinho and Pablo Aimar as his idols. Sid Lowe explains why Lionel Messi is likely to remain at Barcelona despite recent turmoil at the club. Five years ago today, Pele said
“I like a tap in,” Martin Braithwaite said, and then he started laughing. It was October, cold and misty outside at Leganes’ training ground, where huge letters painted across the wall facing the pitch demand “train, compete, fight but above all, enjoy and dream.” The Danish striker had been asked what kind of chances he