Question about the word "Footballer"

[United F.G.]

I used to play as a kid but as my teen years approached I gave up soccer. Got caught up in hot-rods, women, and drinkin. I've recently got back into it and I started following Fulham. I'm American, they have Americans, it seemed like a good fit. I hear the word "Footballer" used on TV to describe a player. I don't think I understand the usage of the word. What actually constitutes a footballer? A love of the game? Anyone who plays? Or is it a term reserved for professionals only? Can a child be a footballer?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[American Mike]

But you are a Magpie as well??? No ones perfect...

Although I find your questions, kinda pointless, I'll bite and answer. As for footballer, I say its anyone that has played.

[1fulhamfan]

Seriously... Magpies make a dirty Cottage! :rolleyes:

My opinion... I think the term footballer is greatly defined by the adjective associated with it.

If a guy says someone is a REAL footballer it means he/she is good and tough. If they are a CLASSY footballer it means they are top quality.

So... I guess I would agree with Mike and say that a footballer is anyone who plays, but you gotta have an adjective to make it mean anything.

[Greddy]

Footballer is just a player. It's how those euro types say Soccer player.