I went to my first final against Real Madrid and (then coach) Alfredo di Stefano and I didn't shrivel
New Real Madrid player Rafael Ferdinand Van Der Vaart of Netherlands, center, poses with Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon, right, and and former star Alfredo Di Stefano, left, during his official presentation at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Tuesday Aug. 5, 2008. Van der Vaart joined Real Madrid from Hamburg and has signed a five-year contract making him the Spanish champion's fifth Dutch player. News reports say Madrid will pay euro13 million (US$20.3 million) for Van der Vaart, who joins his compatriots Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe.
Soccer trainer Vicente Del Bosque (R) attends a tribute for Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium February 17, 2008. The 81-year-old Argentine was honoured by world football�s governing bodies, his former club and by fellow players in an emotive celebration of his life in Madrid on Sunday.
Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano (C) shares a laugh with former Spain Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar (L) and Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz Gallardon during his tribute at Madrid's Alfredo Di Stefano stadium February 17, 2008. The 81-year-old Argentine was honoured by world soccer's governing bodies, his former club and by fellow players in an emotive celebration of his life in Madrid on Sunday.
Former Spain Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar (L) shares a laugh with Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz Gallardon during a tribute for Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano at Madrid's Alfredo Di Stefano stadium February 17, 2008. The 81-year-old Argentine was honoured by world soccer's governing bodies, his former club and fellow players in an emotive celebration of his life in Madrid on Sunday.
Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano (2nd R) poses with FIFA President Sepp Blatter, UEFA President Michel Platini (L), Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon (2nd L) and Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz Gallardon during his tribute at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium February 17, 2008. The 81-year-old Argentine was honoured by world soccer's governing bodies, his former club and fellow players in an emotive celebration of his life in Madrid on Sunday.
Former Real Madrid player Zinedine Zidane (R) of France talks to Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon (C) next to UEFA President Michel Platini during a tribute for Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano at Madrid's Alfredo Di Stefano stadium February 17, 2008. The 81-year-old Argentine was honoured by world soccer's governing bodies, his former club and fellow players in an emotive celebration of his life in Madrid on Sunday.
I already knew him. I have even gone out to eat with him sometimes along with (Real Madrid's legendary striker Alfredo) di Stefano.
Neither writer Deborah Peraya nor director Larry Di Stefano appear to have the slightest understanding of logic—or character, or pacing...