Ignominy
Earlier this week we looked at Tony Adams’ rough start in the Azerbaijan Premier League, but what of another high-profile European who made a dip into uncharted waters?
I’m referring to Fabio Cannavaro, who upped and left Juventus—sorry, Jooo-ven-tooos—for the UAE Premier League and last season’s 8th-placed finishers, Al-Ahli Dubai.
Big money was a given for a 36-year-old who wanted to really wring every euro out of his remaining playing days, signed to a two-year deal that’d give him enough to retire all over again.
His debut was last night, away to Al Dhafra. What on earth could have happened?
Al-Ahli lost 2-0, of course! And Cannavaro was rubbish!
The 2006 World Cup winner was booked after 7 minutes for intentional handball, and made several positional gaffes in the surprising defeat. A mix-up between him and his CB partner Abdulla Ahmed led to a penalty and Al Dhafra’s opener… and it only got worse. Furthermore, it was ex-Villa/Leeds boss David O’Leary’s first game in charge of the UAE club, a fact that had completely escaped me, and one that makes this story even sweeter.
So there you have it. Two former Euro stars of reasonable renown, both swanning off to a far-off league to cash in and failing miserably. It’s what players used to do to MLS before they realized that the quality was much higher than expected.
Let’s just hope that the pair aren’t siphoning too much cash out of a club that probably could have spent it better, though I bet it’ll all be forgotten once the team wins a few games, sells a few team shirts with Fabio’s name and number on the back, as that’s all that really matters to club owners these days.
Naturally, Fabio was not one to blame himself for the difficult showing:
“He had hinted that the playing surface was not quite what he was used to as soon as he arrived for the warm-up with the rest of his teammates. He trotted gingerly onto the spongy grass, looked down, then dragged his foot across the pitch, as if suggest: “They don’t make pitches like this at the Bernabeu.” “
Brilliant, Fabio.
Wait, wait, wait…was that a compliment of MLS you slipped in there?
@Corky
I’m not the Brit around here who doesn’t rate MLS. I think it’s a perfectly fine league. I enjoy watching the Philly Union weekly.
So yes… it was.
Il Capitano could’ve been playing for the Union! Although, after reading this post, maybe we’re better off with Clueless Califf and the Keystone Kops.
@ RFC: I don’t think you would really have wanted him for a new franchise. He’s been pants for a bit now and Philly has some young players that could benefit from the run outs.
Best players for the Union (besides Le Toux) are all kiddies, which is awesome. Seeing Mwanga and Torres is a real treat.
Dammit! Now I have that f**king “Che Cannavaro” song from the WC commercials stuck in my head again.
@ Outside Mid: Have you seen our defense lately? Witnessing the Clueless One whiff on a clearance and pirouette himself into a face full of RFK turf was quite the indelible image. He maybe old and maybe pants, but Cannavaro still could help our young team and settle the defense.
@RFCSean
Danny Califf is a liability. But we knew that already.
@ RFC: Yeah, but from the World Cup to now, it looks like his ‘D’ is good for about 2 goals a match. Philly needs to get at least one shutout this season to not set a record, so a guy like Canna wouldn’t help much there.
JT: I agree completely, the youth that Nowak has accumulated is impressive. My wish is that the Oracle of Doop would play the kids more than he has of late, but both Torres and Mwanga have picked up some knocks. There’s been a heavy reliance on Fred, Moreno, Coudet and Mapp the past few weeks, and collectively they’ve been rubbish. Moreno’s always on the ground, Fred won’t shoot, Mapp looks uninterested at times and Coudet has been hit or miss. Our defense has cost us points all season, either by being out of position or picking up brainless fouls. I’m not going to point fingers at GK Seitz, as he’s been hung out by his defenders too often. Given the Union are an expansion side and will have their ups and downs, but after banking a few wins at PPL, the team has regressed.
@ RFC: Never figured out Mapp. Seems like a name that’s out there as a talent, but anytime I’ve watched him in a match, it’s hard to see his impact. To me, it’s like RBNY having Klein.
This a first–a thread getting jacked with Philly Union talk.
I anticipate the comments being closed any minute now.
Whoa, Anon, make one TJ too many and your petulance shines! Sending get well hugs to Gomes and his groin.
You’re hugging a man’s groin? And it’s not Nando? i don’t think that’s the real JT.
It was said out of kindness for our Spurs friend.
Is Ned still apart of this blog?
Yes, Chris. Just busy with work.
@James T. The last six times Liverpool have played Westbrom Liverpool is winning by a combined 16-0 score.
Alright, have it your way. LET IT BE KNOWN THAT JAMES T IS A CONFIRMED MALE GROIN HUGGER
I can live with that over a tree hugger.
Huh, Jacob?
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@Chris D
Yeah, saw that WBA haven’t scored on us in 8 EPL games, all-time. Those records are totally made to be broken.
Cannavaro is a legend.