Next to bare his soul is one of the editorial team – Gabeu
Next to bare his soul is one of the editorial team – Gabeu
1 – Your Vital Chelsea user name?
GabeU
2 – When did you first start supporting Chelsea?
The mid 90s. I had been a huge fan of the incredible Dutch national teams of the mid 80s to 90s and especially of the troika of Rijkaard, Gullitt and Van Basten. I didn`t have a club team I was deeply invested in as I was way more into national team football then but I had been watching the English first division for about a decade before then and had a soft spot for Spurs and Chelsea who often hit well above their station compared to mighty Liverpool and ManU. The incredible arrival of Rudd Gullitt to Chelsea followed quickly by the Sicilian genius Gianfranco Zola helped me finally sink definite club team roots and the rest as the saying goes is history.
3 – How old are you?
I`ll pass on this on this but let me just say I am no longer a Spring Chicken and let me just add that I had the privilege to see live as a youngster in the Mexico 1970 World Cup what I still believe to be the greatest national team ever in history; the 1970 Selecao team that won that tournament and then got to keep the original Jules Rimet cup for good.
4 – Where do you live?
In the United States. Presently stationed in Maryland
5 – Your occupation is?
Again can`t provide details but work for the federal government (fondly called the feds here in the states)
6 – Your favourite Chelsea memory is?
Prior to the Bavarian Miracle of May 19 it had always been the glorious day in 1998 that the first golden generation of Chelsea players I had known in my mind became the very best in the world. We took on the giant of Europe Real Madrid in Monaco and won the UEFA Super Cup. I was so proud of that team because we were clearly punching so very well above our level. The May 2012 achievement however topped that because I knew (or so I thought) that the window of opportunity had passed for our second golden generation of players. The journey to that Champions League trophy with a badly understrength squad, a club legend as coach and against all odds is the stuff of legend and deserves to be made into a Movie because even Hollywood couldn`t have dreamed up such an incredible and unlikely run..in my mind only the Good Lord himself could.
7 – Your worst Chelsea memory is?
Yes the rain soaked day in Moscow in 2008 still takes the cake . It hurt so much and still does today because I felt we were the better team and the independents I knew who watched the game agreed, Man U had already the won the trophy before and then the way we lost, when we were so close and the fact poor JT who had been so reliable had to be the fall guy. After that I seriously feared in that generation of players who were so special would ever get that highest of all honors in European club football.
8 – Your favourite all-time Chelsea player is?
Still has to be Gianfranco Zolas. The guy had a thousand kilowatt smile..was always a perfect gentleman on and off the field and yet a fierce competitor and had sublime audacious skill. I am still mystified as to why his international career with the Azurri somehow was not more imposing. This is probably why his stature in the sport is not as great as it should be.
9 – Your best ever Chelsea goal is?
This is very hard to pick as I have seen some special goals over the years I have been a member of the blue nation, I guess I will settle for Didier Drogba`s goal against Spurs in the FA cup last year probably because it is one of the freshest in my graying memory. What was so striking was how so typical it is of Dider`s goals for us; delivering the sublime out of nothing. A summation of strength, grace and undeniable class. He absolutely abused William Gallas, brushed him aside like a rag doll, then in one smooth motion turned and fired a laser which immediately changed the momentum and direction of the match. The look of incredulity on much of the spurs side and poor ‘ol arr`y was priceless after all the pre-game trash talk from many of their fans.
10 – Your thoughts on Vital Chelsea?
While I have been reading Vital Chelsea for over 5 years I have only been vocal in contributing in the last 3 years or so. I stumbled on the site as I sought a forum where like-minded people shared thoughts on our common love of all things Chelsea FC. It has been quite a roller coaster ride but I am thankful to have made the acquaintance of some very insightful people on the forum. It is incredible that without meeting any of these people in person there are some on the forum whose views and way of handling themselves speak so much decency, wisdom and class that I view them as kin spirits and close friends even when our views regarding our beloved club may differ.
With any enterprise so successful and so inclusive there is inevitably a section of the membership that does rub of the wrong way for whatever reason. Thankfully for me they are so few compared to the whole and like in life I have generally learnt how to deal with such folks in a civil manner. Even for such people there is one commonality..for whatever reason they too share a fascination with the blue nation..at least for now.
If you`d like to enter the Vital Chelsea Hall of Fame then simply e-mail your ten answers to JUVENILED40@HOTMAIL.COM and I`ll do the rest.
