La roja
Subtitle: a journey through Spanish football
By: Jimmy Burns
Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Simon & Schuster Ome; Simon & Schuster Ltd
Published: 2012
Place of publication: London; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 394
ISBN-13: 9780857206527; 9780857206534
Subjects: Soccer; History; Soccer players; Soccer teams
Description: The author of a best-selling biography of Diego Maradona, and similarly widely acclaimed books on FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, digs deep into the roots of the most popular sport, to look at how football played in Spain became the most admired in the world. From its early beginnings when the first football on the shores of Bilbao and Buenos Aires was played by British sailors and engineers, through to the influx of South American stars, and similarly inspirational Italians, Dutchman and Scandinavians, the author shows how the engagement of foreigners with home-grown Spanish talent overcame political adversity and produced football of sublime skill, passion, and unparalleled entertainment value. The book takes us on a journey through some of the extraordinary characters, games, and moments that have defined Spanish football from the early days when a few enthusiasts developed their talent kicking a ball around on a piece of industrial waste-ground or beach, to the emergence of rival giants, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid - the most powerful and successful football clubs in the world - and a national team that, encompassing all that was most brilliant in the Spanish League, became the World Champions.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.