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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #55741 in Books
• Published on: 2001-08-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review

And then he fell over. I've watched the video a million times and to this day I still don't understand how he managed to fall over like that...My first reaction was that somebody must have been crouching behind him, like in one of those old slapstick comedies.

After a turbulent and semi-successful career in Italy--culminating with a key role in the title-winning AC Milan side of the mid 1990s--mild-mannered maestro Paolo Di Canio touched down briefly at Celtic, before unresolved contract wrangling saw him move on to Sheffield Wednesday, where his unique brand of "talent 'n' tantrums" quickly made him a firm "favourite" with fans, referees and fellow players alike.

The infamous Paul Alcock incident--which brought his career to a grinding halt--is covered in detail, as you would expect, and Di Canio candidly measures the private psychological and emotional impact of his very public disgrace and vilification.

Di Canio finally found a home with Harry Redknapp's West Ham--and in the years since has become arguably the finest individual talent currently playing in English football.

Not afraid of speaking his mind--Middlesborough "the ugliest place in the world"; David James "this cretin", Danny Wilson "a frustrated nobody", Mussolini "deeply misunderstood", etc.--or of detailing those "delicate" moments, like his punch-up with then-manager Big Ron Atkinson, which have made him a regular target of the tabloids, Paolo Di Canio--The Autobiography is as controversial and compelling as the man himself. Whatever this book says about professional football and the life and loves of one of its most dazzling practitioners, the results are never boring. --Alex Hankin

Synopsis
The autobiography of Italian striker, Paolo Di Canio, worshipped by West Ham fans and a footballer who has won the hearts of supporters wherever he has played - this despite his infamous tantrums and volatile behaviour on the pitch. Born into a working-class family in Rome, Di Canio displays the archetypal Latin temperament, which has seen him get into more trouble with referees than can be good for his health. But is there more to him than a one-man inner-city riot? In his autobiography, Di Canio relives his colourful career with a host of clubs, from the likes of Milan, Napoli and Juventus in Italy to Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday and, most recently, West Ham. He describes his Latin roots, the young Italians' pastime of chasing the girls, and the ups and downs of his early football career. He also provides his own version of the shove on referee Paul Alcock, his anger at his club, Sheffield Wednesday, and the feelings of betrayal and isolation following his four-month ban from the game.

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Customer Reviews

Tiramisu
As a football autobiography this book is superb, an enlightening read as you get a feel of the real man not just the professional footballer. Di Canio is such an intense character you cannot help but be inspired and charmed by his persona. A truly magnificent book.

The Best Book I Have ever read. A Must Buy.
I Could not put the book down. It was amazing. You really feel that you are getting to know the real Paulo Di Canio

This book is a must for all fans of football!
I bought this book having recently been converted to a West Ham fan by my fiance. Once I had started reading it everything else I was supposed to be doing was left unattended until I had finished it. Di Canio is revealed as literate and intelligent, a refreshing change to the usual portrayal of him. It is at times hilarious and yet very touching in places. West Ham fans will also be pleased at the depth of affection he feels for the club. It may not necessarily change your opinion of Di Canio but it certainly shows a different side to his character. The chapter on his injuries is not one for the faint-hearted though. All in all this is a good read for anyone who loves football.