Reveals The Other Side of Football

In common with fellow European heavyweights Berlin and Paris, England’s capital is an underachiever when it comes to football: the city's combined total on 19 top-flight titles is only one clear of both Manchester United and Liverpool FC.

But with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all threatening a major football renaissance for the capital, there has never been a better time to visit for a game – and the quaint charms of Fulham, the East End fun of West Ham United and the capital’s many lower-league outfits all have their appeal, too.

And if you’re in town for the football, you’ll stay for the… well, where to start? World-beating museums, a range of restaurants reflecting the 200-plus different nationalities that call the city home, West End theatre, brilliant nightlife and enough history to keep culture vultures like Arsene Wenger happy all season round? There really is something for everyone.

Relatively new visitors may be overwhelmed by the pace, bustle and expense of the capital, but with a little planning you can have a great couple of days here without breaking the bank. A stroll along the South Bank of Thames from Westminster to Tower Bridge is free and covers off many of London’s finest attractions: the iconic Parliament buildings and Big Ben, the National Theatre and BFI Bar (a great place to watch the world go by), the London Eye (£16 buys you a half-hour ride on the giant observation wheel and a truly spectacular view) and the Tate Modern – where most of the art is free and there’s always something interesting going on in the Turbine Hall. From here you can venture toward St Paul’s Cathedral (Westminster Abbey is back by the Houses of Parliament) or kick on to the Tower of London and HMS Belfast. London’s parks are also a delight in summer.

Museum enthusiasts and arts fans are spoilt for choice in London, and most displays are free – although you’ll pay around £10 for the major showpiece exhibitions of artists like Gaugin or Picasso. Try the British Museum, Tate Britain in Pimlico, Natural History Museum or Science Museum for a truly memorable experience.

The West End, meanwhile, runs around 40 shows at any one time – from highbrow theatre in tiny venues to glitzy musical showstoppers; while the IMAX in Waterloo boasts the biggest 3D screen in Europe. Soho and Covent Garden, meanwhile, have enough clubs, bars and boozers to sate any appetite – from 13th-century real ale houses to the poshest cocktail bars packed with the beautiful people.

More adventurous London visitors should explore outside Zone One. Try the truly crazy nightlife of Brixton (or see a band at the wonderful Brixton Academy); hit the curry houses of Brick Lane, or mix in with the North London rich set in Primrose Hill (great for a summer’s day visit) or Islington.

Whatever you chose to do – and please don’t try to do everything – London will leave you wanting to come back for more.

ARRIVAL
London is well-served by major airports. Heathrow, a half-hour Tube ride west of the centre, is one of the world's busiest (and can feel like it, too, being a former military airfield on a cramped site in a residential area). Gatwick, a half-hour train journey south from Victoria, isn't much smaller and is particularly popular from Europe. Cheap-flight airlines tend to arrive at Stansted (30 miles north-east) and Luton (35 miles north), both served by fairly fast train services, while the closer but much smaller London City Airport tends to serve the business community.

TOURIST OFFICE
Visit London highlights the many things to do in the city and has a presence at all the airports. You might also check Time Out, London's venerable weekly listings magazine, for things to do on a daily basis.

GETTING AROUND
The Tube, the world's oldest underground railway, is a very quick and easy way of getting around the metropolis. Buses are many and regular (and frequently 24-hour, unlike the Tube), and give a better view of London's endlessly revealing architecture.

DON'T MISS
It would be too hard to pick one thing – so consider buying a ticket for the many hop-on, hop-off tourist buses, whose microphone-wielding guides which will explain the city's history to you and other tourists. Don't be shy.

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Take a water-bus from central London – say, the Westminster Millennium Pier – down the river to Greenwich, a World Heritage site where museums surround a pleasant park with a view of Canary Wharf over the river.
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The capital of cool, design and of course beer is becoming an important destination on the European football map, as FC Copenhagen’s dominance on the domestic game continues to grow. However, Danish football still has many things to compete with in terms of entertainment for the locals in one of the greenest cities in the world.

Much has been written about the cost of living in the city: residents pay some of the highest taxes in the world, but in return enjoying one of the best qualities of life on the planet, underlined by a recent “happiness” survey that put the Danes firmly top of the pile in Europe. Residents of the city enjoy a fine work/life balance, stress-free commuting (more than 35% cycle to work) and some of the best parks and green spaces you will find anywhere in the world.

Denmark is home to some of the biggest and trendiest brands in the world. Lego may be a children’s toy but it's a design classic, as too is Bang & Olufsen and Pandora. But eclipsing them all is the king of brewing, Carlsberg. Despite the fact that beer is no longer brewed at the massive Carlsberg plant in the east of the city, the brand is synonymous with Denmark. Every bar you will visit in the city will sell Carlsberg – or Tuborg, which was acquired by the brewing giant in 1970.

Airlines are today falling over themselves to fly Brits over to Copenhagen, with no fewer than nine routes available from the United Kingdom. With more and more hotels opening their doors, surprisingly for Denmark prices are actually falling, making it a perfect time to make the short trip over.

The city’s defining monument is, of course, The Little Mermaid. The 1.25m statue, based on the novel of Hans Christian Andersen, has sat on a rock on the edge of the water for nearly 100 years – although she has suffered greatly over the years, including being decapitated, losing an arm and being blown up. Crowds still flock to her today despite the feeling of being completely underwhelmed when you actually get close up, having battled through the Japanese tourists.

The city has a number of areas to explore. Many visitors head for the (expensive) bars and restaurants that line Nyhavn, the waterside street of brightly painted 17th- and 18th-century houses where the tour boats all depart from. Christiania (or to give it its proper name, The Freetown of Christiania) is famous the world over for its alternative lifestyle, although the image of hippies hanging around smoking dope all day are today a work of fiction, and the local authorities are slowly taking control back of the small area.

The river front is going through major redevelopment work, with new hotels and striking office blokes seemingly continuously under construction. To the east of the central station you will find the Nørrebro, the multicultural part of the city as well as the old red light district. Here you will find restaurants to suit all tastes, with food replacing the women who used to line the streets.

Football is still not the major reason to visit the city, although with a fierce rivalry between the two biggest Danish clubs as well as numerous other clubs dotted around town it is a perfect weekend escape. You can't dislike a place where the staple matchday cuisine is beer and sausages.

ARRIVAL

Copenhagen’s Kastrup airport is one of the best in Europe in terms of design (as you'd expect), functionality and facilities. It's also well connected to the city centre with regular trains running from underneath Terminal 3. There is also a Metro line that runs to Kongens Nytorv and Norreport in the city centre. Single tickets for either cost 34.50Kr (Denmark never adopted the Euro; the exchange rate usually hovers between eight and nine krone per GBP). Alternatively you can catch bus 5A from the terminal outside Terminal 2 to Rådhuspladsen, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 22Kr.

TOURIST OFFICE

As you exit the customs area of the airport, there's a Tourist Information Desk almost immediately in front of you. Free maps are available here, as well as the Copenhagen Card which gives unlimited travel and access to most museums. They can also assist with hotel reservations. The main office is located opposite the Tivoli Gardens main gate.

GETTING AROUND

There is an efficient public transport system comprising of buses, trains and the metro. However, most destinations are within walking distance. If your legs are up to it then rent a bicycle from the main train station.

DON'T MISS

Tivoli Gardens, a Danish institution located in the heart of the city. Part amusement park with rides such as the world’s tallest carousel at just 80 metres tall, part pleasure gardens, it's the world’s second oldest theme park – the oldest is Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenborg, opened in 1583: the Danes have long appreciated the value of some R&R. Tivoli Gardens, which opened in 1843 and is Scandinavia's most visited theme park, was the inspiration for Walt Disney and his original Disneyland resort in California. The park also has a number of excellent restaurants, including one that has been voted as the world’s best: Paul, which can be found in the Nimb Hotel. Tivoli is open from late March to mid-October every year, with a short Christmas season as well.


SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

If you love modern art, one of the best museums in Europe is located just up the coast. Louisiana occupies a magnificent spot on the Øresund Sound at Humlebæk which is 25 minutes on the train from central station. Whilst exhibits are constantly changing, you will find work here from Andy Warhol, Picasso and controversial Danish artist Asger Jorn. The grounds are stunning during the summer where people sit and picnic enjoying the view over to Sweden, or in the winter when the snow transforms it into a scene from Narnia.
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Catalunya, of which Barcelona is the capital, is not Spain but a separate, distinct country. So say the Catalans – and with good reason. It has its own language, its own customs, a thriving historic capital and a hard-working mentality far removed from the 'mañana, mañana' procrastinations often associated with Spain.

Shaped roughly like a triangle, Catalunya is a diverse region of (often avant-garde) urbanisation, mountains, beaches and farmland, proud of its political and artistic heritage, and its modernism. Bounded by the Pyrenees to the north, the Mediterranean to the east, and the River Ebro, running diagonally between them, it consists of four provinces: Girona in the north, Lleida in the west, Tarragona in the south and Barcelona in the north.

Tourists flock to the area, some to the countryside, others to beach resorts like Lloret de Mar, and Blanes. Still more travel to the vibrant city of Barcelona where the medieval Gothic cathedrals, Gaudi's magnificent modernist structures and the beachside Olympic and Forum 2004 developments stun the eye. Catalunya's biggest tourist attraction, however, is the FC Barcelona museum at the Nou Camp stadium.

Unlike much of mainland Iberia, Catalunya was not colonised by the Moors. Before the unification of Spain, Barcelona was the capital of an empire which stretched to Athens. Its subsequent decline, and the political dominance of the peninsular by Madrid, is keenly felt by the people in the region.

POLITICAL FOOTBALL
Fluttering everywhere in the region are yellow-and-red striped flags – the symbol of Catalunya. Catalanisme is a widespread movement to promote Catalan independence – and bustling himself to its forefront is Joan Laporta, longterm president of FC Barcelona who now fancies a move into politics.

Laporta's old club is, and always has been, a major symbol of Catalan nationalism, supported by most of the football fans in the region: one survey suggested that 65 percent of the population follow Barça. Real Madrid are supported by 18 percent – mainly migrants relocated to the area during the Franco era – and only three percent are up for Espanyol, Barcelona's other Primera team, whose hard-core fans, Las Brigadas Blanquiazules, hate FC Barcelona and Catalanisme, welcome Madrid, and carry Spanish flags to the game, some bearing the (illegal) black eagle of Franco.




For the vast majority for whom football means Barça, there is no occasion when the hatred of their political, economic and historical bondage to the 'oppressive' capital of Madrid bursts out more than when Real Madrid come to play in the awesome Nou Camp.

To these fans, Madrid are the team of General Franco, who – keen to unify the country he dictated from 1939 to his death in 1975 – sought to destroy Catalanisme, to eradicate the language and customs of the region, forcing into exile those opponents he didn't execute or throw into prison.

Since El Generalisimo's death, Catalan culture has flourished, and the previously illegal Reapers' Song, a ballad celebrating the Catalan peasants' revolt against billeted Spanish troops in 1640, has become the official national anthem. The song, which Laporta once played before the clasico against Madrid, describes what the Catalan rebels should do to the Madrid-financed invading soldiers:

'Drive them off, these people,
So conceited and arrogant,
A good blow of the sickle,
Defenders of the land,
A good blow of the sickle.'

TALK TALK
As ever, when in a foreign country, make an attempt to ingratiate yourself with the locals by learning the lingo. However, don't make the mistake of speaking (Castilian) Spanish. Catalan, used in all state schools and the mother-tongue of 60 percent of the population, is akin to the French dialect Provençal. 'Please' is 'si's plau'; 'thank you' is 'merci'.

FUNNY FOLK
Though it's ridiculed by the rest of the country, the Catalans are fond of the Sardana (folk dancing), which consists of groups of people forming circles and placing objects within them, thereby demonstrating unity and sharing. It's a tame affair, so both young and old can participate together.




BARCELONA: THE CITY
A vast metropolis with a population of over three million, Barcelona is the capital of Catalunya and a city that has it all. It is a city that excels in everything: industry, fashion, art, music, design and sport – most notably football. With so much to do it's impossible to exhaust your options in a single holiday, so you'll just have to go back for more. The prosperous commercial centre is decorated with gothic architecture, mixed with more modern (arte nouveau) creations.

This sums up Barcelona, a wonderful blend of the old and new. Despite the money invested in the city there are some run-down areas to be avoided. Petty crime is rife – especially if you look like a dozy tourist – and Barcelona does have drug problems. That said, Barcelona poses no greater danger than any other major European city, and you shouldn't feel afraid to explore.

The hub of the city is the Ramblas, an ancient road that forms the spine of the city. Lorca once remarked that Ramblas was "the only street in the world which I wish would never end". For a sense of ancient Barcelona saunter to the east end of Ramblas to the Barri Gotíc (the Gothic quarter). Here you'll find yourself surrounded by buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries. Barcelona's wealth of riches leaves other major European cities desperately keeping up with the Jones'.

CITY GUIDE: ARRIVAL
The main airport is 12km south-west of Barcelona at El Prat de Llobragat and is linked to the city by train and a handy Aerobus (departing every 12 minutes). Some budget flights arrive at either Girona or Reus, from where the trip to the city takes a little longer.



TOURIST OFFICE
Placa de Catalunya, (0034) 906 301 282, www.barcelonaturisme.com.

GETTING AROUND
Getting about is easy thanks to a first-class public transport that includes a metro, trams, buses and even cable cars. Just pick up a free transport map from the tourist office and away you go.

GOING OUT
If your hotel is in the city centre the nearest clubbing zones are Barri Gotic, Raval, Eixample and Gracia. However, should you venture into the city's outskirts it's here that you'll find the designer, big-name venues. Poble Nou for example offers little during the day but transforms into a trendy nightspot.
Café Royale, c/Nou de Zurbano 3. Pretty people lounging about. Prepare to feel inadequate.
Otto Zultz, c/de Lincoln. More of the beautiful set dancing wildly.
The Loft, c/Pamplona 88. Two floors, international DJs.
Carpe Diem, Avgda. Dr Gregorio Maranon 17. Huge tent, best in summer.

DON'T MISS
The Museu de Barça. Built in 1957, and enlarged 25 years later for the World Cup semi-final, the Camp Nou is a world-class stadium – and as you'd expect its museum is a shrine to great Barcelona teams and players through the years. To say it's not entirely impartial is one enormous understatement, but it is a must for any football fan. Tickets are 7 euros (11 euros with a tour of the stadium) and opening hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-6.30pm and Sundays 10am-2pm.

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Why not ride the cross-harbour cable car from Barceloneta (the 1992 Olympic village) to Montjuic for a dazzling view of the city? The cable car departs every 15 minutes, tickets cost 6 euros one way and 7.20 euros return.

DAY TRIPPER
If you're in the area, it's well worth taking a train 75km north-east of Barcelona to Girona. Having survived 21 invasions by the 18th century, and been besieged five times in the 19th century, this medieval city has earned its nickname 'Immortal'. Today it is stormed by nothing more fearsome than armies of tourists strolling through its cobbled streets. Be sure to visit the markets in the old town for a break from the beach. The tourist office is at the train station in Placa d'Espanya (0034 972 226 575).

FIESTA!
New Year's Eve – Cap d'Any – sparks wild street celebrations. As the clock counts down to midnight, you eat 12 grapes in 12 seconds, each representing good fortune for a month of the year ahead. Top tip: go for seedless.
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How excited are you about the World Cup kicking off?
It’s exciting just to be talking about the World Cup. It’s the biggest stage a footballer can reach. And for the fans as well.


What are you most looking forward to?
Not many players get to play in a World Cup – it’s a special honour to participate. And I’m looking forward to getting to know South Africa better and meeting the best teams in the world with the best players.

Germany is regarded as a tournament team…
And we want to prove it again. We have a lot of respect for our group opponents, but the goal is to get through as the top team in our group. After that, the dream is to win the World Cup.

Who are the favourites?
Spain, of course, and Brazil, Argentina and Germany. But there are many teams that are strong and can get far.

You won the under-21 title with Germany. Do those experiences help now you’re on an even bigger stage?
In the under-21 tournament we faced a lot of players from the Premier League or Spain, some of whom we’ll meet again now – and some of the Spanish guys have won Euro 2008 already, so it’s going to be very exiting to see how they do this time. As far as the experience of the under 21 games are concerned, I think it does help, though it’s certainly a different level.

There are quite a few young players in the German team. How is the feeling going away for such a long time together?
Your first international tournament is one of the things you never forget in your life. It is a new chapter and something you can keep as a secret wish, but it is not guaranteed. Everyone has special feelings about internationals. For me, I will never forget my first game for Germany. And I feel lucky because 10 years ago, younger players did not have the same options as they have today. The attitude regarding youngsters seems to have changed in general. Young players get more responsibility.

Why do you think that is?
Young players have proved they can handle the pressure and that they are mature enough to play. Some clubs had to look to their youngsters due to money problems and the education has been improved a lot. I think it’s great to have guys like Jerome Boateng, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Marko Marin and Sami Khedira.

You have Turkish roots, but you were born in Gelsenkirchen. Were you tempted to play for Turkey?
I am third generation in Germany: my father grew up here. Turkey will always be a special country for me but I did not doubt my decision to play for Germany – ever. I started to play for Germany in the youth teams.

You left Schalke when you were very young. Did that help you grow up?
It was really hard for me to leave my hometown, Gelsenkirchen. All of a sudden I was without my family and my friends were hundreds of miles away. Today I’m proud that I did it, and that I made it. I think it did help me. There are some things you have to do on your own and learn to make decisions.

Today people compare you with Juve’s Diego and even Maradona. Did you expect that things would go that fast?
Well, I knew what I could do on the pitch from the junior games. What I was missing was the goals. That works much better today. That people speak about me and the big names is an honour, but I think I have a fair bit to go. One day I want to be among the best but today I am just 21.

Which players did you want to be when you were growing up?
My Idol was Zinedine Zidane. He was the most perfect player. His technique, shooting and headers, his ability to read games and boss them was fantastic.
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Beverage manufacturer Coca-Cola announced that it has decided not to renew contracts with striker Wayne Rooney, the star of their product ads, in the future. According to the Daily Mail, the decision was taken following the unfolding of Rooney affair with a commercial sex worker in September last.

In its official statement, Cola-Cola, said their contract with Rooney out at the end of last year. However, according to the Daily Mail, Rooney is a de facto no longer be the star of Coca-Cola Zero since September last, shortly after the affair revealed by the British media.

"Our cooperation with Wayne Rooney (which began in 2007) out late last year and we have (Coca-cola and Rooney) agreed not to renew our partnership,"said a statement Coca-cola.

"The cooperation has now ended. Rooney has resulted in £ 600,000 per year from that cooperation," they added.
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