The Big Interview

In part two, there’s more on Jason McAteer’s Mini Metro. It once got him and some team-mates into bother when they unwittingly caused a security alert at a nuclear plant.

Jason didn’t like Roy Keane at first – as players on different sides of the Liverpool/Manchester United rivalry, he wasn’t likely to. But Roy’s perfectionism and will to win in the Ireland camp made Jason come to respect and love him.

Jason’s best pal Alan Stubbs was meant to move to Kenny Dalglish’s Blackburn with him, but he couldn’t resist a late bid from his beloved Liverpool. It meant that the deal fell through for Stubbsy, but there were no hard feelings.

Love ya Jason

Graham

Friends, I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed so much in a Big Interview as I did with Jason McAteer.

Jason made the grade at Bolton under Bruce Rioch, and quickly upgraded from a Mini Metro to a Lotus Elan. But Bruce wasn’t wearing it and told him to take it back to the shop.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason came from a Liverpool boxing family, and his upbringing instilled an incredible competitiveness. That, and the thought of the naysayers who told him he’d never make it, drove him to success. But the fact is that in football and in life you can’t always win, and Jason has had to adapt his psychology to that reality.

Enjoy

Graham

Last season, our Socios at patreon.com/grahamhunter got an exclusive interview with Micah Richards. For the first time, here’s the full episode.

In part two Micah tells how a pre-season trip to LA bonded the Manchester City players and set their course for the famous 2012 Premier League win. Micah’s descriptions of that incredible campaign are fascinating. During the nerve-shredding final match against QPR, Mario Balotelli told fellow substitute Micah not to worry, that he would come on and change the game. He wasn’t lying.

There’s also stuff on Micah’s love for his time at Fiorentina, how a 6-1 win at Old Trafford informed Manchester United that City had arrived, and how a fitness trainer helped the Sky Blues stay the distance to be crowned champions.

Thanks Micah

Graham

Last season, our Socios at patreon.com/grahamhunter got an exclusive interview with Micah Richards. For the first time, here’s the full episode.

Micah is one of the most astute TV analysts of the beautiful game. In part one we hear about his friendship with the eccentric Mario Balotelli (they were so close that they both sported the same haircut) at Manchester City. While Micah is frank about his pal’s flaws, he also speaks about the often-unfair treatment he, and footballers in general, receive. Micah tried to protect Mario.

Micah also speaks about working under City boss Roberto Mancini, a brutally honest perfectionist who players either loved or hated – Micah loved him. And there’s chat about how winning the 2011 FA Cup set the stage for league glory in 2012.

Enjoy

Graham

Welcome to our Big Interview Icons series where we shine a light on a legend whose name has lit up some of the conversations I’ve had with my guests over the last six years of The Big Interview. This episode focuses on Lionel Messi.

Pablo Zabaleta recalls a quiet, skinny Messi in the Argentina Under-20s dressing room… then he did his talking on the pitch. At first, moving to Europe was a struggle for the lad, but he soon became a joy to behold for everyone who loves the beautiful game.

Gary Neville says that seeing Messi playing in the Camp Nou against Manchester City was the only time he has been genuinely mesmerised by a player. He pitches his every description of a footballer with Messi as the benchmark.

Countryman Federico Fernández speaks of a humble, family guy. Fede loves the experience of being around Messi, on and off the pitch.

Ander Herrera recalls playing for Real Zaragoza against Barcelona when Messi decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck and singlehandedly set up victory.

Lastly there’s a quick contribution from Graeme Souness, who considers Messi the greatest of all time. He would easily have held his own in Souey’s more robust playing era.

Enjoy

Graham