Product Description

Ginola is a man in demand. Everywhere he goes he attracts attention, whether it be mesmerising defenders on the field or parading down the catwalks of Paris and Milan away from football. He's as likely to be seen making the headlines in "Hello!" and the tabloid front pages as in the sports columns. But is there more to Ginola, the "sex symbol"? In his autobiography, he provides an insight into his private life which few outsiders know about. He talks candidly about the women closest to him, his work for the Red Cross and anti-landmines campaign and the pressures of being a huge media star constantly under the spotlight. It wasn't always so good for Ginola. In his early years in France, he describes the traumas of his army national service and how, as a footballer, he went from being the most hated man in France to Footballer of the Year in the same season. He describes in detail his relationship with Eric Cantona and his bust-ups with the authorities, as well as a reviled Gerard Houllier, which led to his controversial exclusion from the 1998 French World Cup squad. On joining a Newcastle team under Kevin Keegan, Ginola was soon given the freedom of the "Toon". He writes openly about those exciting days at St James's Park, before the arrival of Kenny Dalglish led to his acrimonious departure to Spurs. Ginola is forthright about his mixed feelings on the arrival of George Graham at White Hart Lane and how their relationship developed, and his future at the club. More recently, his critics have branded Ginola a cheat for diving. Ginola responds honestly to these accusations, as he does to the controversy surrounding his comments to the Oxford Union about Alan Shearer and foreigners in the game.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #258950 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-11
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 312 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review

"David Ginola is the murderer of the team ... he sent an Exocet missile through the heart of French football ... David Ginola committed a crime against the team, I repeat, a crime against the team."(Gerard Houllier)

Artistic, compelling, inspiring awe and derision in equal measure--and that's just the photo on the cover--Le Magnifique chronicles the life and times of David Ginola, who pirouetted into the Premiership in 1995, and has strutted around in the limelight ever since. As extravagantly vain as he is breathtakingly gifted--has any footballer's autobiography ever included quite so many magnificently smouldering photos?--Ginola is so shamelessly enamoured with himself that at times it's hard to take his version of events seriously, which will come as no surprise to the legions who dismiss him as a glory boy player more interested in split ends than tackling back. But the upside for readers of this wonderfully entertaining book, is that Ginola spills the beans, confronts his critics and has absolutely no qualms about sticking the boot into all the dullards, hypocrites and schemers who have frustrated him with their jealousy (of his talent and popularity), their stupidity (for not recognising his talent and popularity) and the petty, ugly way in which they conducted themselves (around someone so talented and popular). The hit-list runs to pretty much a who's who of European football, but fans of George Graham, Gerard Houllier, Alan Shearer and Kenny Dalglish should be warned that their favourites get a particularly good going over. Ginola's achievements have been significant, including cups and a championship in France, and a pile of "Player of the Year" awards, but there is no escaping the fact that his controversial exile from the French national team which went on to win World and European championships, has blighted his career. But for all the lingering sense of disappointment about a uniquely entertaining player being denied his place on the world stage, there is a flamboyance about Ginola that is irrepressible, and this book is as compelling as the man himself. A (hair)cut above the usual footballers' autobiographies. --Alex Hankin

About the Author
David Ginola was born in Gassin, France in 1967. He made his professional debut for OGC Nice in 1983 and went on to play for a number of French clubs, including Paris St Germain, before signing for Newcastle in July 1995. Two years later he joined Spurs in a GBP2 million deal. He has 16 international caps for his country. Neil Silver is a freelance football journalist who has worked for the Press Association and Total Features. He spent two years at the Sunday Mirror, during which time he won a number of commendations in the Sports Journalist of the Year Award.

Customer Reviews

C'est Manifique!!!!
Never before have I read such an honest opinion of a footballer.

From the outset Ginola tells it as it is in a light hearted way. The opening lines sum it up when Ginola says "I cannot play at Tottenham any more under George Graham". This was so obvious for all Spurs fans to see.

Find out fascinating facts about Ginola which at first sound arrogant but on second consideration actually are quite right. His view on Alan Shearer is 100% accurate (Mr Perfect who cannot do wrong!).

If you support Spurs or are just a fan of the great game then this is a must. I just hope that now that Graham has gone Mr Ginola will consider a return to Spurs.

A must for every football fan!
he was bood for years on end in france for a miss hit pass. But survied. A hero to England .

On his day the best player in the world...

MAGNIFIQUE BOOK !!
I read the book in about 8 hours !couldn't stop... A truly amazing read.I have been a David Ginola fan for about 10 years now and have been following his career all the way and it was great to read in detail what happened to david Ginola over the years.The book is astonishing,powerful and simple.the attacks on graham,houllier,daglish are well justified and very well documentated. We also learn about the true man and his work for various charities. BUY the book immediately...it is a must... A classic...the book of the decade. Respect