I love football. I really love it, in fact, I am obsessed with it – but right now, I’m pretty glad there isn’t much of it knocking about. We have the Confederations Cup, which is nice to dip into, and the under-21 European Championships which I have enjoyed following – but it’s not real football. I’m not spending the days and weeks before the matches thinking them through, pondering on what line-up and tactics should be employed, planning my days around the football, nervously shuffling about before kick-off, desperately looking for a stream, moving to the front of my seat when the action gets underway, screaming/cursing with elation/frustration and then engaging in circular debates post-game…and everything else that comes with a game of football. For example, when Spain played Uruguay yesterday, I missed the first 10 minutes. In the remaining 35 minutes of the half, I went to the kitchen twice, bathroom once and to the train station to pick up my dad. It was such a laissez-faire approach to watching football, a steady heart-beat, and time for my belly, bowel and blood.

Don’t get me wrong. I am excited for the new season to begin but for now, I’m not gagging for it. Read the rest of this entry →