Last update November 14, 2023 by colgadosporelfutbol
Recently we published an article with worst signings of FC Barcelona. Today we will focus on a particular case, that of Emmanuel Amunike, whose passage by the whole culé was most frustrating.
At the end of the season 95/96 the glorious Dream Team It was history, third in league gave the lace Johan Cruyff who had tried with bad results a generational shift in the successful template I culé. In summer 1996 He came to Barcelona to Sir Bobby Robson. Everyone who dealt with the technical English describes him as a person close, very smart and very clear ideas; one of those people who is able to convince you to take the penultimate even if you are waiting at home or ... to sign a particular player by little talk you.
Enmanuel Amunike, a strange signing for Barcelona
Robson arrived in Barcelona with a clear idea, of the signing of the player who brought down the street from bitterness as coach of Porto, the end of the sportinguista Emmanuel Amunike. English felt that the African player would be vital in the game for his side Barcelona. Although he was a player virtually unknown in Spain, It wasn't too far-fetched an idea.. So that in 1994 had been distinguished as the best player in africa.
"Amunike can take it all, including pressure. I never ask a player who does not fit into the club. If they like Figo, expect to see a Amunike. It is not vague, like most African. It has character and quality. " Bobby Robson, Brand. 28/05/1996
Nonetheless, The Blaugrana sports management handled other options such as Barcelona signings: Ginola, Almeyda, Karembeu ... but no one was able to lose the donkey coach. In late May, Amunike It was announced as the first signing of the era Robson. It was beginning to be a real "acquisition renditions" in which three presentations will happen, two denials, an alleged knee injury, the medical team of La Zarzuela, a complaint with FIFA and Olympic gold medal. Behind all, English cabezonería.
A master of the throw-in
Mentideros footballing suggest that a member of the technical team of Robson, to being challenged by the best qualities of Amunike to explain the "almost obsessive interest" of the British, surprisingly he replied that this was his potential in the throw. While it is true that the Englishman was obsessed with the game ball stopped, logic and lack of documentation make us think that this statement was the result of a misunderstanding or a mistranslation, but will be decisive when the Nigerian game does not shine in Camp Nou.
Although the Barcelona atmosphere never fully understand the signing of Amunike, the player quickly gained a wardrobe for his affable. Affectionately christened by his peers as Manolito, got to enjoy a dream afternoon. He gave three points with a goal at the buzzer in a gray game of the Barca in Logroño. He also had a role in one of the final of Copa most remembered, when the culé team managed to beat Betis. At Figo last goal which clinched a door for a launch of the Nigerian chronic pointed out that "I went to the English Court".
Amunike's story at Barcelona did not have a happy ending
But nevertheless, best moments were not able to rise above the gloom clouding the fans culé which resulted in the Amunike debut at the Camp Nou. When, ready to do their best move, the throw, an inopportune slip has laid facing the lawn. Ridiculous event would be the prelude to his career in Spain.
If fate had cruelly treated Nigeria since his fate was crossed with that of the Barcelona, in September 1997 reach the final setback. The footballer was breaking for football where the Catalans doctors had warned from the outset. After two years in white and embarrassing attempts to Barcelona to cancel your card, Amunike again see the footballing light through the single slit it opens in Spain: the Albacete second division, where only play fifteen games in two seasons.
Amunike, Luis Enrique and the history of the song
Amunike He stood as an icon of the football noventero, Forever immortalized by the famous song that linked him with phonetically Luis Enrique. Also for an advertisement for the Renault Kangoo who honored him with his best play: feinted kick his glorious band. First steps for some successful disco dance steps.
