On the Books

I read this book a few years ago and had been looking for a reasonably priced copy. Once again eBay was there like a trusty old friend (who is continually asking to borrow money).

An excellent book detailing the story of how Adidas and Puma revolutionised the world of sport and the advertising, fashion and endorsement aspects. No stone is left unturned and I would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in the subject matter.

 

Items I didn't need but bought anyway #6

Another 2 pairs of trainers......

First up is a pair of chalk/blue Adidas Rom from Hanon Shop.

Secondly is a pair of Montreal I picked up in Size? Cardiff.

Contra Heroes

Born in Elgoibar, Gipuzkoa, Etxeberria began his career with Real Sociedad, making his top level debuts at only 17, in a 2–0 home win against RCD Español, on January 29, 1995. That summer, he moved to neighbour Basque outfit Athletic Bilbao, in a controversial transfer that cost over €3 million. At the time, it was the highest transfer fee paid for an under-18 player in Spanish football.

In 1997–98, Etxeberria netted 11 league goals, as Athletic finished second, achieving a career-best 14 five seasons later, while he was also eventually awarded club captaincy.

On 1 October 2008, already playing second-fiddle for the team, Etxeberria agreed a deal with the club according to which he effectively played 2009–10, his last season as a professional, for free, after his contract expired in June 2009.

Etxeberria's last season was not a successful one individually, as he only appeared in seven league matches (plus another seven – with two goals – in the UEFA Europa League). On May 15, 2010, he was replaced to a standing ovation in Athletic's 2–0 home win against Deportivo de La Coruña, and represented his main club in 514 official matches (105 goals), third-best in the team's history, only behind José Ángel Iribar and Txetxu Rojo.