How sad to see Barça's noble men lose their Triple Crown: Chelsea/Real Madrid/Chelsea. Physically worn down after four years on the summit and, as the Italians say, "senza idea."
All deviations from the mean eventually return to it.
I agree completely about Drogba. Over the two legs, he was the man. Long after the UK press had written him off and consigned him to China with Anelka, he stepped up. And Terry, who insulted America at the time of 9/11, showed his consummate lack of brains and class.

nice post…..

This bridge is truly a hymn to stone and steel. I remember that was a real crowd on the walkway, awesome you guys made it.

Thanks for the comments. In basketball terms, when the Chicago Bulls were great, Jordan and Pippen both could decide to take over the game defensively and just browbeat somebody into coughing up the ball. In a soccer way, Drogba does that...he is physical, and has a strong will. Also, the best female soccer player I ever saw, Michelle Akers, would do that. She would decide she wanted the ball and make a direct line and just beat it out of her opponent. Not easy to do on a big field -- but Drogba is at the top of his game, and effort, right now. GV

Nice summary, George, in so few words.

The wise men who run UEFA have just ruled that Terry can still act as captain and collect the trophy should Chelsea win a game in which Terry has been banned from playing in the Final. This is a ludicrous decision. Terry should be told to stay away.I'm with you on Drogba who is a real stud of a player, and also a really good guy. If Di Matteo is the man I think he is he will give the armband to Drogba and tell Terry to watch the match at home on TV. Drogba is a far better leader anyway. Terry put himself first time and again, above team and teammates. He could, for example, have offered to step down as England captain while his legal proceedings for racially abusing a black opponent played out, avoiding the embarrassing chain events which eventually led to Fabio Capello's resignation. He did not. The biggest mystery is why Capello ever chose a guy like Terry in the first place.

Thanks for this first-hand experience information shared on the internet. I appreciate the good quality information you have discussed here and make me like the Chelsea soccer club more. Hats-off to this great man who is responsible for the success of the club.

In addition to assisting Loretta Lynn, Vecsey has also helped several other celebrities and high profile figures write their autobiographies, including American country singer Barbara Mandrell and Chinese human rights activist Harry Wu. His work in this field has ranged from co-writing credits, to being listed as a contributor to being listed as a consultant. Thank you.