James Lawton: Seaman escapes the retribution of Ronaldinho
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There are several reasons to be disappointed over Manchester United's failure to sign Ronaldinho. The main one is that he is a player of genuine invention and natural brilliance, who would have both graced the Premiership and enhanced United's chances of winning another European Cup.
He might also have brought, at a very late hour, some perspective on the departure of David Beckham. My suspicion is that he would have defined the difference between the considerable talent of a Beckham and an authentic touch of football genius.
There was also the delicious prospect of Ronaldinho peppering David Seaman in Manchester derbies. Seaman, in his time, was a magnificent servant of both Arsenal and England but his behaviour after Ronaldinho's superb free-kick in the World Cup quarter-final remains impossible to purge from the memory. It was embarrassingly self-serving and ungracious, and though Ronaldinho was not guaranteed to achieve retribution, it would have been hugely entertaining to see him try.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments