I finally made up my mind. After many months of Internet research and mind numbing thought...jk. FC Barcelona is the Spanish side for me. I'm so sick of all the little Real Madrid FC supporters that just popped up when Beckham signed. When I did my student teaching at a Chicago suburban high school this past spring every student that loved football, mostly Latinos, loved Real Madrid! Bunch of gloryhunters. Heck, I knew more about RMCF than they did. RMCF seems too much like Man Utd....who I loathe. I couldn't take Valencia because they won 2 titles in 3 yrs and I would look like a big gloryhunter. I love FCB crests, kits, stadium, and their rich history. I respect the supporters of FCB and feel like I can relate to them being a Gunners fan, when everyone seems to be for Man Utd. When I saw the Olympics on TV, Barcelona looked like such an unbelievably BEAUTIFUL city. Of course I love history and the Catalan region of Spain has always interested me. I took Spanish for 4yrs in High school. I'm not some Socialist, but I certainly don't like Fascism or Dictators. I happened to see a guy at the recent USA vs. Poland friendly in Chicago at Soldier Field. He had on a Rivaldo, FCB kit, from the 90's when the crest was in the center and still had stripes. I thought what a wonderful looking kit! My names Patrick. I'm 28yo, married to the most amazing woman ever for the past 5 wonderful years. We have a 2yo daughter. Being a Dad is awesome! I just finished my BA in Education to teach History or Social Studies to grades 6-12 (ages 11-18) from Northeastern IL University. It is in Chicago. I served in the US Army for 3 yrs to help pay for school. I went to college for free thanks to the state of Illinois and the US Army. We just bought our 1st home and live in Naperville, a western suburb of Chicago. I have always been a HUGE sports fan, but NEVER liked football until I made an English friend thru my wife. He loves Arsenal and explained the The Beautiful Game during the many EPL matches that we watched together. Now I'm totally addicted. Football is now my favorite sport. My family doesn't know where this insane obsession with football came from, but they were mistaken when they thought it was just a phase 2 yrs ago......LOL. I look forward to making more friends and maybe there are few Barca fans in Chicago and we could meet and watch some matches together.
Congratulations, Patrick. It's one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Now it's time to update your signature.
Oh, so NOW you decide. I could have used you at Ginger's when Barca played Celtic in the UEFA cup. I had to be the only Barcelona supporter there. My nerves were so bad for that match that I felt like throwing up half the time, and every time I reacted to something in the match I got stared down by a group of Irish guys. Good times
What do you mean by that? I'm I famous? How come my rep is still at a pathetic level when many people who are either JERKS or constantly post absolute DRIVEL have great reputations thru the roof???? Greddy, First of all my name is Patrick and I like Celtic too...lol. No one would mess with you. I have cheered against many Irish Man Utd fans when they play Arsenal @ Gingers. They make comments and looks like it is against the Laws of the Universe for anyone with my 1st name to ever like anyone, BUT Man Utd....lol. Finally, I avoid fights, but I do have a vicious temper and will always protect my friends.
catfish, i don't know what you are talking about, all i was saying is that it is good to see you on the barca boards!
NAh, it was nothing like that. I go to Ginger's every now and then and I know it's a good crowd. It just would have been nice to see one more Cule, for morale support.
Greddy, Did you attend the Poland vs. USA match? I saw a guy with a Rivaldo FCB kit on...I like that one. What is a Cule?
Yeah, I was in section 8. That wasn't me in the Barca shirt though. I was wearing my Fire shirt. I'll give you a hint. It has to do with what you are sitting on right now. Culés are Barcelona supporters.
Sammy 23 Chicago Single(Hello Ladies) Loved Barca since I lived there from 1995-99.Dad worked for US gov't and they sent him everywhere around the world. I off at college right now in Chicago. Favourite player of Barca:Johan Cryff Most Hated Player:LUIS FIGO!!!
Hi there, I'm new My name's Ryan. I'm 21 (will be 22 in a week), from Oregon, but just moved to Cambridge, MA. I'm pretty new to the sport; got really into it after watching Brazil take the last World Cup. I became a huge fan of the two Ronnies, so that drew me into watching La Liga action. I just recently became a Barca fan; what really sold me was the chapter on the club in Franklin Foer's book "How Soccer Explains the World". The politics of the club really spoke to me, and I was on board immediately (it didn't hurt that they have one of my two favorite players either, of course )
Ryan, Great to have you on Big Soccer! Welcome and Happy Birthday. That books sounds really interesting. You really should fill out your team and location in your profile. Peace
Hello, i'm new at Barcelona board. i have been very eagerly waiting for the La Liga season to start. can't wait to see Larsson, Giuly & Deco donning Barca's shirt. and yes, Ronnie got me most excited most of the time!!
Hello all . I have red these soccer boards for a while but now finally i registered. I am 18 year old from Finland and a huge FC Barcelona fan . Cant wait for new season to begin. Barca have made good signings and pre-season has went very well. I was in Barcelona about 4 months ago and i saw the game against Villareal. Nou Camp is gr8. I will come to see a game 1-2 times also next season. Anybody knows if its possible to see Barca TV in Europe (finland) or La Liga..? would be awesome to see La Liga games.. I can only see Uefa CL here and just some games..
welcome Truereds and ElSalvar (why that nickname? something related to my home country?) your names please?
Oh sorry .. My name is Sami... that is just the name that i use in forums, games and so on.. Sometimes i use EL_Loco, but this now .. I really like everything about spain and Barcelona .. btw, how warm is it there in the start of december..? i was thinking to come and look Barcelonas home game in november/december