Book-Bliss: Top-tier football biographies

Dear Paying Subscribers,

This is a sincere attempt to express my gratitude for your support. Following my latest article recommending Ibrahimović’s book, I thought it would be nice to offer you more choices! After all, money buys options, doesn't it?

In the upcoming weeks, I plan to send you a similar article each week featuring other prominent sports players. Please be patient with me as I work on generating ideas to provide even more value for you. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy it!

1) "I Think Therefore I Play" by Andrea Pirlo

This is a football memoir that offers a unique and cerebral take on the game. Pirlo has been called l'architetto ("the Architect"), because of the way that he built plays, and set up goal-scoring opportunities with long, lobbed-through passes, il professore ("the professor”), Maestro and Mozart, as a reference to the Austrian composer's prodigious ability. Pirlo's graceful play on the field is mirrored in his storytelling. From his Italian upbringing nurturing his love for football to his experiences with renowned clubs like AC Milan and Juventus, Pirlo provides insights into the mind of a football genius. The book shines when Pirlo delves into the tactical aspects of the game, offering a masterclass in football intelligence with precision. Reflecting on his time with the Italian national team, including their 2006 World Cup victory, Pirlo's insights are moving and insightful.

• "Football is played with the head. Your feet are just the tools."

• "In football, you have the magic of surprise. The unexpected can turn the game around.”

• "I don't feel pressure ... I don't give a toss about it. I spent the afternoon of Sunday, 9 July 2006 in Berlin sleeping and playing the PlayStation. In the evening, I went out and won the World Cup."

— Pirlo, on his mental state in Italy's World Cup victory over France in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in Berlin.