BILOGRAPHY:
Messi:
Lionel Messi is an Argentinian footballer
widely regarded as the one of the greatest players of the modern generation. He
plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team. He has won FIFA world
player of the year four times (a record already). He has often been described
as Diego Maradona’s successor because of his prolific goal scoring record and
ability to dribble past opponents.
“I have seen the player who will inherit
my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius and he
can become an even better player.”
His potential is limitless and I think
he’s got everything it takes to become Argentina’s greatest player.”
Lionel Messi was born, 24 June 1987, in
Rosario, Argentina to a working class family. His father was a factory steel
worker, and his mother a cleaner.
He began playing from an early age, and
his talent was soon apparent. However, at the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed
with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This was a condition that stunted growth,
and required expensive medical treatment, including the use of the drug Human
growth hormone.
Local club, River Plate were interested
in signing Messi, but didn’t want to pay for his medical treatment. However,
Messi was given a trial with Barcelona, and coach Carles Rexach was impressed –
offering Messi a contract (written on paper napkin!) which included paying for
Messi’s treatment in Spain. Messi moved to Barcelona with his father and became
part of the prestigious FC Barcelona youth academy.
Cristiano Ronaldo:
Cristiano Ronald is a Portuguese
professional footballer who has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and
Portugal. Along with Lionel Messi, he is regularly considered to be one of the
top two players in the world. He became the world’s most expensive player, when
Real Madrid signed him for 94 million Euros in 2009 from Manchester United.
Because of his apparent playboy lifestyle, he is subject to intense scrutiny
from the media and spectators, though Ronaldo has been quoted as saying:
“Fans jeer me because I’m good-looking,
rich and a great player.”
His second name ‘Ronaldo’ was named after
his fathers favorite American actor – Ronald Reagan.
From an early age, he loved playing
football. His talent, enthusiasm and love for the game soon became apparent. By
the age of 10, his talent was becoming well known in Portugal and he was signed
for Nacional, a Portuguese side from Madeira. He later signed for Sporting
Lisbon – one of the biggest clubs in Portugal.
His first international exposure came
when representing Portugal under 17s at the UEFA championships. His performance
caused him to be marked by leading European football managers. In 2003, he
played against Manchester United when Sporting beat them 3-1 in a friendly.
After the departure of David Beckham, Sir
Alex Ferguson decided to buy the youngster for a fee of £12.24 million. He
started playing for Manchester in the 2003/04 season. Despite initially asking
for the number 28 shirt, Ferguson insisted that he wear the famous number 7
shirt.
At Manchester United, his career steadily
progressed. In the 2006/07 season, Ronaldo was a key figure in Manchester’s
successful league campaign. Ronaldo scored over 20 goals, as he won his first
championship. In March 2007, his prowess helped him to gain a record breaking
£120,000 a week five year contract. He also won PFA player of the year award.
The 2007-08 season was even better, with
Cristiano Ronaldo being named player of the tournament, as Manchester United
won the coveted Champions League trophy. The most prestigious club competition
in the world. Sir Alex Ferguson said of Ronaldo:
“We’ve had some great players at this
club in my 20 years, but he’s up with the best.”
However, despite the success, Ronaldo
expressed a desire to leave the club, and move to Real Madrid. In 2009,
Manchester United accepted an offer of £80 million from Real Madrid, making Ronaldo
the most expensive player in the world.
“I don’t smoke or drink, and I’m not a
big spender. I live in a rural part of Cheshire and my nearest neighbours are
squirrels, birds and cows. Much of my time is spent at home with friends and
family. I enjoy being peaceful and often sit by the candlelight to relax.
Tranquillity is important to me.”
