Jamie Carragher

I am always a bit wary of football biographies as the modern trend is for players to write them (or have them written) far too early in their careers. The best ones in my opinion are the ones which have a story to tell, ones in which a player has a story to tell beyond the world of football. Players like Gazza, Robbie Fowler and Tony Adams for example all have had interesting lives and have a real tale to tell. I am a Liverpool supporter and so this book was a must read for me and finding it for £1.50 in a second hand bookshop was something I couldn't pass up.

Fortunately there isn't a lot of Carragher's childhood covered as I find this part of most autobiographies to be tedious. Only the important parts are covered such as the fact that his mother was under pressure to terminate him because of a mis-diagonsed birth defect. Being catholic she saw this as not being an option, something he is understandably greatful for.

All the major parts of his career are covered including his disappointment at the way he was treated by different England bosses and why he came to see international duty as a chore. I never really understood this way of thinking but over time I have come to understand why players such as Carragher and Scholes have retired from England duty early. One of the most startling aspects of his early career is how he went from being a stauch Everton fan to become a fierce Liverpool player. I knew he had his reasons but didn't realise just how passionately he felt about his conversion and the reasons why.

Inevitably he best chapter is the one about the Champions League victory in 2005 over AC Milan. It is a moment that will live with all Liverpool supporters for ever and its great to read insight from someone who played in the game. He lays the facts as they are, including the fact that although he was calm at halftime Rafa was a little unsure on what to do. He covers all the managers he worked under and it is interesting to see the differing opinions players have of the same manager. Unfortunately when the book was written the takeover by FSG hadn't happened and it would have been interesting to hear his take on the ins and outs of it all.

In the end, this is a good read but as with all sport based books I think it really helps if you already have an interest in the player or team involved. This is one of the better football autobiographies about.… (més)