Cult hero rather than legend. I don't know what the difference is, but I'd say the latter is remembered by everyone even if they never saw him play while the former is remembered by a section of our support (think McGrath compared to Ian Taylor or Sid/Eamonn Deacy).
Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives tribute to former Aston Villa defender Paris Saint-Germain superstar has paid tribute to former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg after the Swede announced his decision to retire.The former Villa centre-back officially ended his playing career earlier this week after a lengthy career that included spells with Villarreal, Olympiacos and Juventus.The 36-year-old won a mammoth 117 caps for the Swedish national side, and PSG striker Ibrahimovic played alongside his former teammate for 11 years.Mellberg, who was one year into a two-season contract with FC Copenhagen confirmed his intentions on Thursday.He said: "Today I ended my contract with FC Copenhagen, which will be the last in my football career."Following the announcing, Ibrahimovic issued an open letter to the veteran defender, and thanked him for their time spent together with the European nation.Often praised and derided in equal measure for being cocksure and aloof throughout his playing career, the sublimely-gifted Ibrahimovic showed a different side to his personality with his heartfelt message to his friend.He said: “The day Olof Mellberg decided to quit the national team it was a great loss to Swedish football and the team. But to me personally it was an even greater loss. When I had him on the team I never had to look back because I knew he was behind me and I could concentrate on what was going on up ahead."Olof was the person that triggered and challenged me. This drove me to want to do more on the pitch."Olof had a winner mentality like no other. He simply refused to lose, not only in football but in practically everything. And when he did lose, which rarely happened, he refused to admit it. I think this mentality was what took him a long way in his carreer."I’ve been doubly lucky when it comes to Olof. Firstly because I got to play with him, and secondly because I got know the person Olof Mellberg, not only the player. If Olof in my opinion is the best Swedish defender of all times, I think the person Olof is even better."It is sad that Olof now chooses to end his career because I’m sure he has much more to give. "I wish Olof Mellberg and his family all happiness and love in the future."
I don't think anyone is saying that. I obviously never saw Pongo or Devey but know they are right at the top of Villa legends. The point is, someone younger will class a player like Ollie as a legend, when he probably isn't. He qualifies as a very good player for us and a cult hero, imo. The problem is the terms legend and world class etc are thrown around so much these days it kind of dilutes what it means. Plus we all have different opinions of what makes a legend. Plenty think Deano, Merson, Dublin are Villa legends for example while I don't. And some folks will love a player and that makes them a legend in their opinion. I've always loved Tony Daley as an example, but he is a cult hero of mine rather than a Villa legend.
Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 02, 2014, 12:34:33 AMI don't think anyone is saying that. I obviously never saw Pongo or Devey but know they are right at the top of Villa legends. The point is, someone younger will class a player like Ollie as a legend, when he probably isn't. He qualifies as a very good player for us and a cult hero, imo. The problem is the terms legend and world class etc are thrown around so much these days it kind of dilutes what it means. Plus we all have different opinions of what makes a legend. Plenty think Deano, Merson, Dublin are Villa legends for example while I don't. And some folks will love a player and that makes them a legend in their opinion. I've always loved Tony Daley as an example, but he is a cult hero of mine rather than a Villa legend.I'm assuming here that, like myself, you're around the 50+ mark, PWS?We forget that youngsters use the word differently to us, too. If a chap drinks a pint in under 10 seconds, he's regarded as a legend.My lads show me these home made YouTube clips they're found. "Look at this, Dad. What a legend"As supertom says, Legend or Cult Hero, it doesn't matter. In some ways they are the same.
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Topic: Olof Mellberg out. (Read 13667 times)
