Honestly how dirty Mourinho was done by us twice was a big turn off and the beginning of the end of my football watching days. Yeah football just seemed that much more interesting and unpredictable in the late 90s all the way into the 2000s. As of the 2010s for me that’s when the decline began, in a way as transfer fees increased, the quality and competitiveness in football began to disappear. Every year it was Messi or Ronaldo getting the player of the year, even if they didn’t deserve it at times. I hope their retirement ushers in a new era.
Yes, that’s the only stain on Roman’s impeccable record at Chelsea (the GOAT owner). And both weren’t Mourinho’s fault. The 1st time, Gallas leaving did us in. Terry got all the credit but Gallas and Carvalho were the unsung heroes. Then Robben (and his incessant injuries) also left and Malouda who replaced him didn’t live up to the hype. Fabregas messed things up the 2nd time.
I used to watch his Inter team a lot after he left the first time (just to see what we were missing, lol) and that team with Zanetti, Cambiasso, Eto, Pandev, Maicon, Samuel, Sneijder and Milito was a joy to watch. And their Champions league run was amazing. Zanetti was like 500yrs old but the footy brain was crazy. And Sneijder played like Pirlo on steroids that year.
Mourinho will always be my fave coach ever. Won 2 Champions league trophies with teams no one thought would make it past qtr finals. I hope he gets that Newcastle job next season if they can stay up and win EPL/CL for the team with the big bank of Arab money. That would solidify his place as the GOAT. Also, met him 2ce - 1ce at Stamford Bridge and the other at Wembley during one of AJ’s fights. And he’s super-humble and funny.
You’re right about total domination by Messi and CR7. It played a role in why I left as well. It just got redundant with both of them. I’m a Messi fan but CR7 just never looked like a natural footballer to me. Even his step overs always look forced. I guess it’s because we were spoilt with Denilson, real Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo. I can even throw Figo’s step over in there before CR7 because he was more fluid.
Not taking anything away from Messi and CR7’s greatness because they’re both great. But lack of competition at the top just made it redundant. Rooney, Hazard, Ozil and Benzema who were meant to challenge them never lived up to the hype. Rooney had all the talent in the world but couldn’t leave the booze and escorts alone. Ozil moved at snail speed. Hazard was never talented enough and it showed at Real. And Benzema just peaked in the last 3yrs at old age.
I like a lot of the young talents coming through now and the next decade should be more competitive at the top.