Quotes of 2016

As 2016 draws to a close, we look back on the best quotes from the world of football throughout the year…

I’VE LOST MY GLASSES

“One [pair] is in the museum of Borussia Dortmund because we won for the first time against Bayern Munich and Nuri Sahin broke my first glasses. Today it was Adam, it’s broken. Usually I have a second  [pair] but until now I couldn’t find it because it’s really difficult to look for glasses without glasses! I’m not sure if anyone [at the Anfield museum] will ask for them but I will keep them and we’ll see.” – Jurgen Klopp, January 2016

How do you celebrate a late Adam Lallana minute winner against Norwich? A team bundle of course, which also saw Klopp break his famous specs during the celebrations. As far as we know, the glasses didn’t end up in the Anfield museum.

POINTING THE FINGER

“We don’t speak about Wayne Rooney, you have criticised him. I don’t – you! [pointing at journalist Neil Custis] You too, fat man!” – Louis van Gaal, January 2016

Former Manchester United manager Van Gaal had a rocky relationship with the media during his tenure and it was The Sun journalist Neil Custis who bore the brunt of his tirade after questioning Rooney following a 3-3 draw with Newcastle.

DILLY-DING DILLY-DONG 

“Hey man, we are in Champions League dilly ding, dilly dong. Come on. You speak about blah, blah, blah but we are in Champions League. Come on man, fantastic. Terrific.” – Claudio Ranieri, April 2016

It’s now Ranieri’s catchphrase and the Leicester fans have a song to go with it. The Italian’s famous reaction to Champions League qualification has gone down in Leicester history.

HE ATE HIS TWIN

“The man is just unplayable and the header. Talking about the skill he’s got, it’s all right him being slaughtered week in, week out for his size but a lot of that is just power and weights. He does the odd bit I imagine. I heard he had a twin and he ate him but he’s just brilliant.” – Ian Holloway, May 2016

A classic from the former Sky Sports pundit, as then AFC Wimbledon striker Adebayo Akinfenwa headed his side into the Sky Bet League Two play-off final. The quip sent presenter Scott Minto into fits of laughter, and also garnered a great reaction from the self-confessed ‘beast’.

HAIR PULLING CONTROVERSY

“When you look at what Huth is doing with Fellaini, that’s a penalty. Shall I grab your hair? What is your reaction, when I grab your hair? Your hair is much shorter than Fellaini, but when I do that, what are you doing then? I think that’s a normal reaction. I think the reaction of Fellaini is like a human being.” – Van Gaal, May 2016

The former United boss was nothing if not protective of his players, and was quick to come to the defence of Marouane Fellaini after he had his famous hair pulled by Robert Huth before lashing out at the Leicester defender. Both were eventually banned for three games for the incident. 

TERRY IN SPURS DIG

“I would like to wish Claudio Ranieri and Leicester congratulations from me. I am delighted they have won it and I am glad Tottenham haven’t.” – John Terry, May 2016

Chelsea’s skipper praises Leicester and manager Claudio Ranieri during his speech on the final day of the season and he even had time …

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