We all remember the L'oreal adverts with David Ginola with the patented *'L'oreal, because you are worth it' phrase. However, the one thing I remember about Ginola is the English Premier League being graced with one of the most gifted wingers to ever perform in the top flight in England during his time at Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa and, albeit briefly, Everton.
Comfortable on either wing and equally dangerous with either foot, Ginola was always a threat whenever he received the ball to feet on the byline. Yet, no matter how good he was in the EPL, he was never a prominent figure in the French national set-up recieveing a mere 17 caps during his footballing career. His aid for more caps wasn't helped when, former Liverpool and new Aston Villa manager, Gerard Houllier blamed Ginola for France's failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup as Ginola have away possesion in the dying embers of the 2-1 defeat to Bulgaria (France only needed a draw to qualify). This was never a hindrance for the classy Frenchman who continued to showcase his ability for the entire world to see during his seven years in the Premiership.
Signed for the small sum of £2.5million from Paris St. Germain in 1995, Ginola fitted in perfectly at the club that for two successive seasons were pipped to the title by Manchester United on both occasions (some of you may remember the Kevin Keegan rant in the 1995/96 season) whilst admitting he regretted never joining a ‘top club’ after Barcelona tried to secure his services in the summer of 1996.
However, in 1997 Tottenham pulled off a major coup in the signing of Ginola for the same £2.5million Newcastle paid PSG two years before and for three years, the Spurs faithful were treated to some the best football that has ever been played at White Hart Lane. One goal that is etched into my memory is his goal against Barnsley where picked up the ball on the byline in the Barnsley half, dodging four challenges as he made his way into the 18 yard box and calmly slotting the ball into the far corner. A truly magnificent piece of skill by the tricky winger who had won the coveted PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the FWA Footballer of the Year awards the previous season and rightly so.
Yet, despite the success and glittering three years with the North London outfit, Ginola was sold to Aston Villa, then managed by John Gregory, who challenged the Frenchman to show that he still had what it takes to perform in the Premiership. I am sure most female fans will remember Ginola’s time at Villa when, following accusations that he was overweight by Gregory, the French winger chose to celebrate one of his three Aston Villa goals by taking his shirt off and celebrating in front of his boss to silence the doubters about his weight.
Following his move to Villa, Ginola’s career was, unfortunately, coming to an end and, in 2002, he moved to Everton only making five appearances with the Merseysiders prior to retiring from football altogether in 2002.
Ginola will always be remembered for, not only his footballing ability, but the long list of women he left drooling at his feet. My Mum, god bless her soul, never hid her crush for David Ginola and openly admitted to fancying him all the time (sorry Dad!).
So, for his footballing ability, I believe David Ginola was most definitely worth it. He lit up White Hart Lane with his instrumental displays during bleaker times in Tottenham’s history and has fully warranted his place in their Hall of Fame. So, all I have to say is thank you Ginola for making White Hart Lane a better place during your time there, gracing the wings and terrorising defences up and down the country.
Will write again in the not-too-distant future.
Laters,
Macca
(*must be said in a French accent)
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