Graham's Blog

Phil Neville always wanted to be a cricketer and his talent matched his ambition. He was one of the best schoolboy cricketers of his generation, having served an apprenticeship in the Lancashire leagues where he faced bouncers from world-class West Indian bowlers.

Then he walked out at Wembley to represent England youths at football in front of 80,000 fans. His decision was made. Cricket’s loss has been football’s gain. We spend time talking about both sports, exploring how his experiences in cricket helped form his football mentality, and even shaped his outlook in life.

In an era where the professional game is awash with money, Neville’s insistence on installing work ethic and morals in young footballers has never been more relevant.

This is part one. The second half – where Phil talks extensively about his time in Spain – will be out on Monday.

Sit back and enjoy Phil Neville in full flow!

Graham

Phil Neville was promoting the new book Class of 92: Out of Our League, out now

In part two of my interview with Thomas Hitzlsperger, the former Germany midfielder talks about his decision to take on some big issues outside football.

This began in 2007, at the peak of his playing career, when he blogged about racism in football for a German site – the first story he wrote about concerned the racist abuse aimed at a Celtic player during a trial game Thomas played for the Scottish club before he joined Aston Villa.

He also talks in length about his decision to come out as the most high-profile gay footballer. It’s fascinating to hear him talk about how such a personal decision eventually influences a debate within wider football culture and impacts on individual lives in a way I don’t believe he was expecting.

Thanks for listening.

Und danke, Hammer.

Graham

He helped me with a German perspective on the final of Euro 2008 when I was writing my book on Spain’s trophy treble, but you’re about to find out how much I didn’t know about Thomas Hitzlsperger.

In this, part one of our conversation, he breaks down his 11 years at the Bayern Munich academy, where he played alongside Philip Lahm. The courage and daring of his decision to quit the club, aged 17, will amaze you. Villa fans, listen closely.

We also touch on his part in Stuttgart’s Bundesliga title win in 2007. Thomas talks us through his decisive goal on the final day of the season, a stunning volley.

Finally … it’s time to get a little technical. A few listeners have not been getting the new episodes – Vialli parts one and two, plus today’s – flowing through to their apps. We’re working on a catch-all solution but, meantime, here’s a manual fix.

Most apps have a search function (often a + sign at the top right) that allows you to add a podcast manually using the RSS feed: http://rss.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter
Add this and do a fresh search. Hopefully you’ll see the new episode.

Hitz part two is along on Saturday

Enjoy part one!

Graham

I first met Luca Vialli in 1996 when my sports editor at the Scottish Daily Mail sent me to find out the secrets of how Juventus destroyed Rangers in the Champions League that season. The Turin side won 4-0 at Ibrox and important lessons were there to be learned.

We talk about that first meeting between us in this, part two, of the podcast. I found a man who, like the club he represented, burned with intensity. He reflects on the culture of fitness and desire which drove Juventus to Champions League success in 1996, and what it means to represent the club.

Luca had the chance to join Rangers when he left Juve in 1996, but instead ended up at Chelsea. He talks passionately about his time with the London club, both as a player and manager – and how former teammate Conte is the man to restore the club’s reputation on the world stage.

Listen out for anecdotes on Ranieri, Di Canio, Lippi and Ferguson.

Listen on iTunes here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Enjoy!

Graham