Reaction to the final game at Highbury from Brazil

Blog do Juca : O país do futebol

Translation to English:

"We like to say that we are the football country.

The inventors of sport, never the less, prefer to say that we practice the 'beautiful game'.

A recognition and a praise at the same time.

But, also, it's a way of maintaining the idea that, from it's birth, the country of football is England.

Historically this is without a doubt true.

What you saw yesterday at the farewell of Arsenal to historical stadium of Highbury is one of those things that would fill you with jealousy.

All of the fans, including those of the opposition, received t-shirts with the name of highbury and the proud words "I was there".

Red and white t-shirts for Arsenal and blue for the Wigan fans.

To culminate the day Arsenal who were losing 2-1 turned the game around with 3 goals from the genius Frenchman Thierry Henry. He even went as far as to kiss the Highbury turf to commemorate the final goal at this great old ground.

And so the time said goodbye their old home, of 93 years, guaranteed of a place in the Champions League, no matter what happens in the game against Barcelona, May 17th, in Paris.

Because Tottenham, who were in front of them, lost against West Ham.

Arsenal's championship was deceptive however. They finished in 4th place, 24 points behind the back to back champions Chelsea, 16 behind Manchester United and 15 behind Liverpool.

But everything was forgotten on this unforgetable afternoon yesterday, respectful, impressive, dignified.

The new stadium (Emirates) is just a few blocks from the old stadium, which will be demolished. But will never be erased from the memory of anyone who was there on the afternoon of May 7th 2006."

- Juca Kfouri