Recently, when I broke the news of sacking of Jose Mourinho, Chelsea's manager, to my girlfriends as we had coffee, they went quiet in disbelief. Half of them were shocked by the news while the other half wondered how, as a lady, I was so into football. I am a football fanatic, and, when the World Cup is on, I hardly ever take my eyes off the screen. When it is not on, I have my smaller 'world cup': the English Premier League!
I understand that we are made to believe that football is a man's sport to watch. Again, as one of my friends says, women should watch rugby and American football. Her reason: so we can glimpse and fantasize as we stare at the muscular players' chests and hulky arms. Well, I try and explain that I love football because I understand it some more and that I love the tactics applied during the matches. My biggest secret, however, is that I have a place where I learn everything that goes on in the Premier League. Trust me, when you have all the information, interest is quick to develop!
So, let me tell you why this league is the most popular in the world. First, it is usually so perfectly organized that when the season is on, you get to enjoy week after week of the best football action. Unlike other leagues, the battles are not too widely spaced that you lose the spark. Rather, they start slow then accelerate as time goes by. By the time we hit the semis and the finals, you can barely watch the hot matches while seated! Perfection, I say!
The other bit about this league is that the time zone plays to its advantage. I don't live in Europe, but, whether you're in Africa or Asia, you can always catch the matches at appropriate times. In my case, most of the matches air in the evenings, that is, after work. In short, you do not have to wait until 3 am or rise at 8 to watch the live games. It explains why the Premier League is the most watched football series after the World Cup.
Do not be surprised that a lady is showing this much interest in football. I simply cannot help it. Now, onto the third aspect, need I remind you that this league features all the best players on the planet? Well, yes, it does! Mention the big teams that play there: Manchester City and United, Arsenal, Leicester, Chelsea, Wolfsburg and Liverpool amongst others. Now, break up these teams and you will have the most amazing football players on earth: Rooney, Da Gea, Messi, Ronaldo, Van Persie, Giggs, Memphis, Mata, Balotelli and anyone else that you think plays the game like a god. They are all here. The English Premier League is the best platform where they put on their best shows.
Does this justify my claims? If not, try following the league for some time and see if you do not become addicted. I'm only two years into this and can't seem to get enough!
