It's been a rollercoaster of a week. The 2014 Champions League finalists have been decided, the football world appeared united against racism thanks to Dani Alves and Brazilian builders realised that they may have to up their game if country's stadiums are to be ready for the World Cup. But don't mind all that Football Circus readers, because we know what you're really here for - Mario Balotelli losing his temper, dogs, dodgy haircuts and accidental injuries caused by teammates from lower league Norwegian teams. And guess what? That's exactly what we have for you this week...
Football Circus Clown Quote of the Week
"Well, I can play in the centre, on the right and occasionally on the left side". - David Beckham, when asked if he would consider himself a volatile player.
It's Barkelona as Crazed Dog Incensed at mention of Messi, Busquets
We love a good animal story here at Football Circus, whether they come in the form of mad mascots or pitch invaders. This week though, footage of a Barcelona-hating dog has surfaced on Youtube. We felt it would be remiss of us not to cover it.
The dog, seemingly a Real Madrid 'supporter', remains completing placid at the mention of Madrid stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo. Whisper the name of Lionel Messi or Sergio Busquets however, and the mutt turns from cute pooch to a crazy-eyed, demonic looking, snarling devil dog.
Lets hope Madrid don't offer the mongrel a role as their new mascot, or the next Clasico could be a even more of a bloodbath than usual.
Short Back and Sides? No, Just a Pepperoni and Cheese
Footballer's haircuts often leave a lot to be desired (Rigobert Song, Abel Xavier and Jason Lee to mention but a few, have had particularly dodgy barnets) but this week Dominic Oduro of Columbus Crew has taken the biscuit...or should we say 'pizza'.
Oduro, who proclaims himself to be a pizza lover, tweeted a photo of his new do and it has left fans wondering whether a razor or a pizza cutter was used to style his hair.
But the ridiculous hair design is not Oduro's only attempt to show the world just how much he loves pizza. He once ate a slice after scoring for Columbus Crew as part of a goal celebration.
He has also tweeted various pizza photos, raves about Papa John's and even tweeted a photo of two heart-shaped pizzas he received from Papa John's for Valentines Day. We just hope Oduro's hairstyle doesn't have a Dominos effect and catch on.
Norwegian Player Injures Teammate Before Kickoff
David Batty and Graeme Le Saux famously had an on-pitch bust up whilst teammates at Blackburn. So too did Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer at Newcastle. However those particular incidents were solely down to two players consciously aiming to knock seven shades of the proverbial out of each other. So you have to feel for Norwegian side Bossekop UL, whose players seem to be inadvertently taking each other out...before their matches even start!
Bossekop took on Alta IF in the Norwegian Cup at the weekend. During the warmup, one of their players, Mathias Dahl Abelsen attempted to jump on the shoulders of Martin Mathisen. Somehow, Abelsen managed to miss and as gravity took effect, Mathisen decided to jump himself, leading to a clash of heads. Mathisen was left requiring six stitches and Abelsen was left with a very red face.
At 41 Years Young, Rivaldo Finally Hangs Up Boots
Not too long ago we reported that Rivaldo had turned out for Brazilian lower league side, Mogi Mirim, alongside his son in a ground that was named after Rivaldo's father. Truth be known, we were surprised to find that the World Cup winning former Barca star was even still playing. So it comes as little shock, to hear that at the ripe old age of 41, he has decided to finally hang up his boots. And what better way to announce his retirement, than via social media websites Twitter and Instagram (Original or what?).
Rivaldo declared:
"With tears in my eyes today I would like first to thank God, my family and all the support (and) the affection that I received during those 24 years as a player.
"Today, I communicate to all my fans in the world (that) my history as a player came to the end.
"I built my career upon a miracle, (living) in (the small city of) Paulista, no financial resources, no businessman, incentives only of my family, discredited by doctors and trainers.
"With persistence, dedication and especially with the hand of God, I came to be recognized as the best player in the world, world champion".
Humble till the end Rivaldo.
What's Mad Mario Upto this Week?
Balotelli has caused a mighty stir in Italy this week after Milan lost 2-0 to Roma. Following criticism from former Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban (now a pundit), Balotelli's post match interview became an angry rant, following which he removed his earpiece while the interview was seemingly still going on.
Balotelli had by most accounts, had a poor game, and was subbed off in the 69th minute. In the Sky Italia studio, Boban had slammed Balo as "not (being) a top player".
In a "Why always me?" vein, Super Mario responded:
"You always talk about me.
"When Milan win Mario’s great, but when Milan lose it’s all Mario’s fault. I don’t need your criticism, I criticise myself.
“I never said I’m a top player, I am a perfectly normal player, it’s you that say I am an exceptional player, you always expect me to score five goals a game.
"You always talk and talk, but there is no point to saying any of these things. There is no point at all.
"You don’t understand anything about football – trust me, you really don’t".
Jose Mourinho and Jamie Redknapp are going to need to step things up a notch if they're to match this feud!
Italian Football Story of the Week
- Del Piero Done Down Under
Following a two year stint at A-League side Sydney FC, Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero has released a statement on his website announcing that he will be leaving the club. After becoming something of an institution at Juventus, Del Boy opted for a complete change of scene in 2012 when he signed for Aussie side Sydney. His presence was of huge benefit both to Sydney FC and to the Australian A-League and helped greatly in rousing interest in the sport in a country where rugby, cricket and Aussie rules already compete for the public's attention.
Del Piero's statement read:
"My adventure with Sydney FC is about to be concluded, and, even if it makes me rather sad, because I have had wonderful time here, I have communicated my decision to the club.
"I'm really grateful for the last two years and for the club's request for me to remain and with whom, I am happy to explore new opportunities to continue our relationship. It hasn't been an easy choice, also because my life on and off the pitch has been fantastic, my family and I have really enjoyed these two wonderful years: Australia will remain in our hearts forever.
"My greatest satisfaction is the rapid growth of the Australian football movement, with interest increasing incredibly for the public, television and sponsors, in this country, considered to be an undisputed role model in the world of sportive culture (both for athletes and spectators), the passion for this sport , that I love so much, is constantly growing.
"I will remain a bit 'Australian', and will continue to be close to the football movement in this country and the Australian Football Federation, also as ambassador of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, that will take place right here next year. See ya mates".
So where next for Del Piero? Asia? The MLS? A return to Italy with his first club Padova? Or, at 39 years old, will the veteran decide its time to call it a day? One thing that is certain - He will play one final match, lining out for the Hyundai A-League All Stars in a match to be played in Sydney. The opposition? Juventus.
Artist's Impression of the Week
- 'Balotelli Pre and Post Interview'
Football Recommendation of the Week
- Ceasefire Massacre; Part of ESPN's 30 for 30 World Cup series. "In 1994, as Ireland played in a World Cup match in New Jersey, terrorists attacked fans at a tiny bar in Northern Ireland. Decades later, family members still wonder what the government knew".
Non-Football Recommendation of the Week
- Simpsons pictures that I gone and done; Any attempt to describe this week's non-football recommendation will be utterly useless. You'll just have to check this one out for yourself.
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