WE’LL TURN DESPAIR INTO FLAIR NEXT SEASON
May 25, 2008 - Daily Hun Newsdesk
Rangers livewire striker Nacho Novo last night rounded on the club’s critics. The Ibrox men, inspite of the soaring success they have achieved this season, have endured a torrent of mocking and abuse from opposition fan’s in regard the style of play Walter Smith has deployed this season.
The little Spaniard was indignant and took umbrage to these mischievous claims. “People have claimed we have been defensive all season, but how many times have a team scored three goals in consecutive cup finals? Tell me,” Novo boldly plowed on, “when did it last happen?”
The chain of thought here could be that the diminutive wingman come forward is still simmering with resentment at his ordering off at Pittodrie nary three days hitherto, so much so that when I pose this question to the former Huesca goal hero, I might have expected him to squirm in the plush leather couch, and possibly even let the expensive Ibrox fabric engulf him completely.
Instead Novo surprises, as he courageously crouches forward, a steely glint in his eye whilst he jabs out a finger. “You show me a good loser, and I’ll show you a loser,” as he gestures expansively and histrionically with his dancing fingers.
It is this show of bravado, some may convey it as arrogance, that marks the ex Dundee hitman out as the classic pantomime villain to all football supporters bar his own.
Such confidence is crystallised when Novo admits he still harbours hopes of one day representing his country. “It’s a dream, and dreams never die. There’s little to no chance of (Luis) Aragones picking me, my face doesn’t fit, or he doesn’t fancy my style of play. I’m not stupid though, I realise there is a lot of competition for striking places.”
The Ibrox darling, whose cool and nonchalant dispatch of the final penalty in Florence sent Rangers to their first European final in more than thirty years, derives confidence from friend and former Dundee team mate Claudio Cannigia. “Claudio phoned me the other day and told me not to be disheartened, that nobody expected him to be picked for Argentina, but he was, and he went on to have a great world cup in 2002.”
When I enquired whether his desperation for recognition from natives in his homeland was borne more out of hope than expectation, Novo, enigmatic as ever, shrugged his shoulders and let his body creep forward once again, whispering, “what will be, will be. My only concern is achieving success with Rangers, and I’m sure this will continue to come next season.”
And with that, he was gone, as quickly as one of his vaunted exocets that nearly burst the net this season and, sadly, Novo would concede, as hastily as Rangers championship challenge perished.
Original by Diego Jimbo
Got something to say?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Latest Headlines
Daily Hun Blogs
TRAVEL BLOG - A QUINTESSENTIAL HOLIDAYMeet Colin Stein - 46, from Bridgeton, spends his money on tickets for Ibrox , booze and skinny jeans, writes for SwallowSwallow in his spare time. He’s...
