"It's more than just a game" is a phrase often used when talking about sports, especially with football. After all the clubs reflect geographical, political, and religious beliefs, of an area. But put the sport the sport to the side (if you can), going to a game can in fact be about much more than kicking a ball.
If any of you out there have a desire to go and see the biggest clubs in the world then honestly, I can't blame you. Real Madrid, AC Milan, Internazionale Milan (notice the emphasis on Milan), Barcelona, Bayern München, Paris Saint German, Liverpool, Marseille, S.L. Benfica, Red Star Belgrade, Ajax, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, and so on. All huge clubs in their own respects, but why are they so big? what makes them so special to their respective cities? Of course, you can google it, watch some videos on YouTube and find out information about these clubs. But the way to really fall in love with these clubs, is to go and experience it yourself.
“Without experimentation, a willingness to as and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund." - Anthony Bourdain
Football like all things, can become stale without a breath of fresh air every once in a while. Being a Sunderland fan, life is often miserable and being let down most weeks can become repetitive (not to mention outright depressing). That's why on a trip to Milan a couple of years ago, I thought 'why not go and try something new?', like all European children I of course dreamed of playing for either of the Milan teams. So, when the opportunity to go and watch a game at the iconic San Siro arose, I couldn't pass it up. And thank god I didn't, the opportunity to go around the city was incredible. Eating the food, meeting the people, seeing their beliefs, the fashion, the architecture, on top of the incredible atmosphere of the game itself gave me an added perspective. I came away now understanding the standards AC Milan are expected to uphold, win, lose or draw, they must play beautiful, intrinsic, passing football. Someone with an outside perspective, might think 'sometimes Tiki Taka, isn't effective, why not try something new?'' and honestly before my trip I'd have agreed.
Yet after experiencing everything the city had to offer my opinion took a full 180. I realized AC Milan are a direct reflection of the city they derive from, the beautiful kits they wear, the flair players they sign, and the style they play. It simply couldn't be any other way and going out and experiencing the 'why' behind one of Europe's biggest clubs was a special experience. An experience I encourage everyone to go out experiences for themselves. Because it'll not only give you an added love for this amazing sport, but also provide you with life experiences you never thought you'd have.
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