El Macca: Four Years with Real Madrid

by Steve McManaman (Author), Sarah Edworthy (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2004

  $3.25

  Born and raised a stone's throw from Anfield, Steve McManaman was actually an Evertonian before Kenny Dalglish signed him at Liverpool FC straight from school. After a spell cleaning John Barnes' boots as an apprentice he went on to make his reputation as one of British football's most dazzling players, before taking on his biggest challenge yet with his move from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 1999. But after a stunning start to his Spanish career it soon appeared his move abroad had been a mistake. With high-profile signings like Figo, Ronaldo and Zidane all competing for limited midfield places and a manager who seemed to have tired of him, Macca realised he either had to find a new club or stay and fight for his place. He stayed -- and went on to win a second European Cup as well as the affections of thousands of fanatical Real supporters. With the arrival of David Beckham the dressing-room of 'Los Galacticos' has become more stellar than ever. 'El Macca' now opens the door on the best club side in the world to reveal not just the pressures and rewards of moving abroad as a professional footballer but also the difficulties and delights of playing alongside the best in the business

• Used

  Paperback
  2005

  $3.25

  When Steve McManaman joined Real Madrid in 1999 he was, according to his former manager, 'the first of Los Galacticos' -- the nickname given to the increasingly starry line-up at the premier Spanish team. Soon the ex-Liverpool star was playing alongside Ronaldo, Figo, Zidane and Beckham. It was an astonishing turnaround for a club that had been struggling to live up to its enormous reputation, and Steve was there to witness the most intense and interesting period of its development -- winning the league and two European Cups along the way. Written with the DAILY TELEGRAPH's Sarah Edworthy, who contributes her own insights through original interviews with the key players at Madrid, EL MACCA is not just a highly entertaining memoir of four years at the biggest club in Europe. Thoughtful and candid, it is also a fascinating insight into the process of playing -- and succeeding -- overseas.