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The odds were against Gabriel Heinze. United supporters had heard good things about the Argentinian defender, but following his signing in June 2004, he made them want three months while he served international duty fro Argentina, first at Copa América and then at the Olympics.
United supporters are notoriously suspicious of players who choose country over club, but all was quickly forgiven once Heinze began turning in his standard excellent performances. He scored a goal in his debut at Bolton, and although that would turn out to be his only goal of the campaign, United supporters were universally delighted with his performances at left back.
Heinze is an old-style hard man, fierce and committed in the tackle, brave going for loose balls in the box.
Although not the talles of players, he's an excellent jumper, and wins for more than share of headers.
But he's not just ranging bull despite being voted the hardest player in the French First Division, Heinze plays under control. He was not sent off in his debut season, and was booked only once.
How thoroughly did Heinze impress? United supporters voted him winner of the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Awars, makinf him the first non-European so honoured. His team-mates then bestowed on him the Player's Player of the Year Award.
These honours, coming from both supporters and his team mates show just how well Heinze has taken to the English game. South American players have traditionally had a difficult time settling in the Premiership and at United in particular, but not the well traveled Heinze.
What endears Heinze to both supporters and team-mates alike? In a word: effort. Not the biggest of players, Heinze plays, the game at breathtaking pace. Such is his tenacity and ferocity in the tackle that even the Premiership's best wingers prefer not to try to beat him on the dribble. Heinze is extremely fit, and can make ling-busting runs up and down the left touchline for a full 90 minutes. Though he rarely finds himself with the ball in an attacking position, he loves to whip the hard, vending crosses from the left flank with Wayne Rooney and Rudd Van Nistelrooy in razor-sharp form, Heinze has two of the best targets for his service that a wide player could ask for.
Heinze's dream season was unfortunately ended by an ankle injury on 24 April against Newcastle, meaning that he missed out the FA Cup Final. Sadly, after rehabilitating all summer, he suffered a knee injury in United's first-lef Champions League match against Villareal, and will miss much of the season. United fans will be hoping he can get back on the pitch in time to help his side lift a trophy or two- or three.
"Strengh, speed and excellent technical ability" said Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United Manager.
"Words cannot describe how keen I am to help win the title back" said Gaby
VITALS
4 GABRIEL HEINZE
In his very first season at United supportes named Gabriel Heinze the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year. He is the first non-European ever to win the award.
Team: Manchester United
Position: Defender
Nationality: Argentinian
Birthday 19 April 1978
Heigh 1.77m
Weight: 78kg
Clubs: Newell'S Old Boys [96-97], Valladolid [97-98, 99-01], Sporting Lisbon [98-99], Paris St. Germain [01-04].
Place of Birth
19 April 1978 in Crespo Entre Ríos, Argentina. Crespo is a small town in the Entre Ríos Province, a flat region surrounded by the Uruguay, Parana, and Guayquiraro Rivers. Because the region was settled by large numbers of inmigrants from Wales in the 19th century. Wlesh is still spoken in many places, and Heinze learned to speak it at an early age.
2004-05 Goals
As a defence-fisrt defender, Heinze is not called on to score goals. But he wasted no time showing that he is capable of th feat, scoring on his debut against Bolton in a 2-2 draw on 11 Spetember 2004.
Club History
Heinze began his professional career with Newell's Old Boys, but after only eight first team matches, he was on his wat to Spanish side Valladolid. After one season there, he played for Sportin Lisbon on loan, then returned to Valladolid for two more seasons. By then his reputation as a tough-tackling defender had become known, and he joined French side Paris St.Germain, He spent three seasons in Paris, then joined United for a fee of 6.9 million pounds on 11 June 2004.
International Duty
Heinze made his full international debut in April 2003 against Libya. Because he left Argentina at young age, he was virtually unknown in his home country. Only after years of solid professional play at Valladolid, Sportin Lisbon and Paris St. Germain did get the call to national duty. So unfamiliar was he that he had to be introduced to the home fans before earning his fifht cup against Ecuador.
Enero 2005/January 2005
Para United Magazine
LEFT FIELD
The signing of Gabriel Heinze is already looking like one of Fergie’s most inspired pieces of lateral thinking. We caught up with the Argentinian hard man who’s making life hell for wingers…
It’s been a grey, drizzly morning at Carrington. But as the lithe, sinewy figure of Gabriel Heinze emerges for our interview, the clouds clear and the sun finally breaks through. Which seems appropriate for on of the leading lights of United’s season so far.
The Argentinean defender’s quiet yet unstinting self-confidence is immediately apparent. Sporting denim jeans and a jacket, T-shirt and trainers, he looks cool but not ostentatious. A discreet Dolce and Gabbana symbol on the back of his jacket is the only hint of designer-label culture. And as he poses for the photo shoot (we later discover he doesn’t like having his picture taken!), Gaby has more the air of a rock-and-roll star than a footballer. His collar-length hair and the couple of days’ growth on his chin complete the effect.
It’s hard to recall a full-back making such an impact as quickly as Gaby has since his £6.9 million arrival at Old Trafford, via the Copa America and the Olympic Games. From a debut goal against Bolton, through the series of all-action displays that have followed, it has been clear that Gabriel Omar Heinze is the real deal. Solid yet flexible, Gaby has adapted seamlessly to the demands of operating at left-back after playing much of his career at centre-half. His combative demeanour, hard-nosed defending and steadfast devotion to the cause have impressed, and the 26-year-old has supplemented United’s left-wing raids with equal tenacity. ‘He has done really well for me; he’s got a toughness there,’ says Sir Alex Ferguson.
Despite playing in Europe since his late teens, Heinze remains, to British eyes at least, the quintessential Argentine hardman. The United number four never shirks a challenge, jumps up determinedly after receiving rough treatment, grins ironically and wags his finger in disapproval when he disagrees with a refereeing decision. ‘He’s very solid and got that bit of bite that you expect from Argentinean defenders,’ was Rio Ferdinand’s recent assessment of his new team-mate.
On the rare occasions an opponent has left him marking thin air, Gaby has bounced back and refused to be outfoxed a second time. United old boy Karel Poborsky was a thorn in his side during the first-half of the goalless Champions League draw at Sparta Prague. But after the break the Czech winger barely got a kick, such was Heinze’s dominance. It is this hunger and the ability to learn quickly that have provided the backbone for his stirring performances at United. Bustling round the pitch with positive intent, Gaby is fierce in the tackle, colossal in defence. He loves to stalk his opposite number, pouncing to seize possession just when they think they are in the comfort zone. Magnificent.
Yet his off-field persone is much more demure. After making it through the photo-shoot with the occasional friendly quip, he chats openly and modestly in his mother tongue about life in Manchester.
So how are things going at United?
Very well. I’m settling in little by little, but the truth is that everyone at the club is making things very easy for me and the people I know here are making me feel good. And on a personal level I’m very happy.
What impressions have you formed of English football?
Well, it’s a completely different type of football to that of the other places I’ve played. I knew that the football here was more dynamic, more physical, but I can tell you that I owe thanks to my team-mates, to the whole coaching staff who have helped me every day to settle in.
Did the intensity of the league game against Arsenal surprise you?
No, it didn’t surprise me because I knew it was going to be a very tough match. For us, only a win would do and more so because we were playing at home. Our only aim was to win.
How did it compare with derbies in France or Argentina?
I believe that these are really special games, they are games that leap off the fixture list. You speak about them a lot during the week; they really are outstanding. So you have to win them to give yourselves a lot of confidence.
How are your English lessons going?
Well, very well, with my English teacher, Phil [he raises his eyebrows and grins at Phil Dickinson, the club interpreter, who is sitting with us]. He has helped me a lot.
[To Phil] Is he a good student?
[Everyone laughs] Phil: He’s a very good student. He really wants to learn and he remembers things well.
Gaby: I think it’s crucial to learn to settle in and be happy. I must thank Phil.
You learnt French in Paris, so you must be getting used to learning languages…
Yes, but I believe that when you want to do something and you are prepared to make the effort, things will happen for you. Some things are more of a struggle, others less so. That’s normal. But when you aren’t prepared to try, it’s going to be much more difficult for you.
You’ve said that you are settling into life here little by little, but it strikes me that you’ve adapted very quickly on the field…
I believe that thanks should go to my team-mates, who have helped me integrate very easily into what, for me, is a very difficult type of football to play. I’ve been lucky that everyone has treated me very well and that they’ve accepted me into the squad straightaway, so that is something to be grateful for.
Beyond that, well, you do as much as you can on the pitch. I’m a person who will always give everything. Things may work out well or badly, that’s just part of football. But I want to say thanks to all my colleagues for everything they’ve done to make things easier for me.
Who has helped you the most? The Spanish-speakers?
Ricardo, especially, because he speaks Spanish with me. I’ll also ask one of the guys who speaks French for a hand if I don’t understand something. Then there is the manager, the coaches and medical staff who make an effort to help me understand.
I don’t know if there’s one person who has helped me the most. There’s a really good group of people here: the people who do the laundry, who wash our kit. It gladdens me that they give you their support because they are good people. For me, the fundamental thing in life is the person and being a footballer comes after that.
You didn’t make your United debut until 11 September, against Bolton, because of international commitments. Did you feel under extra pressure when you arrived at the club, because the season had already started and the fans didn’t know you?
Here are two issues I must separate from one another. I was very calm coming here because I hadn’t done anything wrong. I did what the rules say. I was called up to my national team and I always say that I went with pride. At no point did I decide anything - things were decided by the Argentine FA and Manchester United.
After that, pressure: I put pressure on myself, I wasn’t getting it from United. I put pressure on myself to play in and to be valuable to this team. The pressure came from within me, not from outside.
So the pressure and calmness made me settle in more easily and get into the starting line-up. I came here with great hope and desire, but knowing that it wasn’t going to be easy with all the games I’d been playing. But I had a lot of desire. I have a lot of desire.
What’s it like to play against Cristiano Ronaldo in training?
In training you always make sure you don’t go in too hard because they are your team-mates and you need them at the weekend. But he is a very good player with a lot of impressive qualities and he’s going to keep getting better.
He’s one of those players who could play in any team. I’m not going to talk about Ronaldo’s qualities because everybody knows what they are, let’s just hope we can enjoy them for a long time to come.
Who do you see as the team’s standard-bearer, it’s symbol?
For me, there isn’t a single symbol, it’s about the 25 players who train together every week. There are players for whom things are going well, others less so. But what is going to win you things is the squad.
The symbol is the squad, the dressing-room, the people who work in the dressing-room, the people who are with us every day, who help us be in good health, the people who are always with us, the people who wash the kit, the people who don’t appear in the press but who help a lot. So I believe it’s a team effort, it’s not about a single person.
The fans obviously like you. How important is that to you?
I’m thankful for that. But I try to give everything for my team and the truth is that I’m quite a cold person in that I sometimes don’t realise what’s going on with the crowd, because I’m very focused on the game. The only thing I can say is to thank them and every time I go out on the pitch I’m going to give my all. After that, whether things work out well or badly is another matter. But I give everything.
You don’t seem to celebrate goals [for example, after every goal in the 6-2 defeat of Fenerbahce, Gaby simple trotted back to his own half, pulled up his socks and waited for his colleagues to come back for the restart] – is that about concentration?
No, it’s not that. In the first place, I never celebrate goals because I try to hang back in case something happens. And I always say that I don’t like appearing in photos. My team-mates have also asked me about this. I always have a rapport with the goalkeeper and I like to be with them, because they are always on their own and they aren’t going to run all over the place celebrating. Everyone else goes up and I stay with him. I’ve always done it, but it’s nothing special.
What was it like playing back in France when United drew 2-2 with Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League?
I spent three marvellous years in France, I was very happy there, they treated me and my family very well and I’ll always be grateful for that. That’s also where I made some great sporting achievements, so going back to France to play against Lyon was something special. But it would be more special to go back and play against my old team, Paris St Germain. I was booed and whistled a bit more – like I always was in France! [laughs] But that’s part of my job.
Do you think fans of other English teams will boo you a lot too?
Yes, I think so! [laughs again]
Which players have inspired you in your career?
The people who have inspired me have tended not to be footballers, but my parents and my family and the way they brought me up.
A lot of Argentinian players have nicknames like el Muñeco (the Doll – Marcelo Gallardo of River Plate) or el Payaso (the Clown – Valencia’s Pablo Aimar). Would you like a nickname like that?
No! [chuckles] The truth is everyone calls me Gaby and that seems like a good name to me.
A year or so ago you were better known in Europe than in Argentina. Was that a bit odd?
Odd, no. I’ve always said I’ve made my footballing life in Europe and I’m very proud of having done that. A lot of people have spoken about me without knowing me and they’ve had to shut their mouths and change their minds. I’m very happy and relaxed about that.
The team hasn’t been scoring more goals in the league so far this season. What can the rest of the team do to help the strikers?
Football is about the whole. Not scoring goals is not just the strikers’ problem. And when you let them in, it’s not simply the defenders’ problem. This is a team and in a team we all defend and all attack.
The truth is there are times the ball goes in, times it doesn’t. In the game against Manchester City we had chances, we kept 90 per cent of the ball and when a team put lines of 4-5-1 it’s very difficult. But I believe the way we played against Manchester City is the path we should follow, because we ran ourselves into the ground, we went down the wings, we went down the centre. I believe that’s the way - whether the ball goes in is another matter.
What will it be like for you to play seven games in December when you have previously been used to a winter break?
I’m used to playing a lot of games. But what is going to be difficult for me is the dates the games are on, because for me these are very special dates in the calendar for everything that Christmas means. Christmas and Easter are the most important dates in the year for me. It’s going to be really strange playing games, but I hope to adapt and concentrate on what I must do.
Is Christmas important to you for religious or family reasons?
Both. For religious reasons, because I’m a real believer. For family reasons, because it’s one of the only times of the year the whole family gets together. I’ve always spent this time at home with my family. It’s a very special time, when we close the doors to the house with everyone inside enjoying themselves.
It’s something you enjoy, something you feel inside. It’s the time you recharge your batteries to continue the year with a lot of desire and more strength. But this time I don’t know whether I’ll be there or not and that’s going to be really strange.
What Christmas traditions are there in Argentina?
There’s a great meal at a long table with the whole family. On the evening of the 24th, Christmas Eve, the whole family is there and for lunch on the 25th as well. We have a tradition that one of the family dresses up as Father Christmas for the kids and comes down from the roof of the house to give them their presents. It’s something really nice. We go to Mass as well.
What do you like doing outside football?
I love nature – I like being in the countryside a lot. I like the open air. But what I really like, my hobby, is my family and friends. So long as I can have a good meal and a chat with friends and family, that’s the most important thing for me.
2006 para United Magazine
GABRIEL HEINZE, ARGENTINA
World Cup 2006
Whether it's playing for United or his country, Gabriel Heinze will give his all - there is no other way.
When Gaby Heinze takes to the filed this summer for his first major competetive action since injuring his knee ligaments against Villarreal last Sepetmber, the 28 year old will be looking to pick up his second winner's medal with Argentina.
The passionate South American had already picked up an Olympic gold by the time he arrived at Old Trafford, and it was combative form that helped him and his team overcome Paraguay in the Olympic final that has endeared him to United fans.
"Winning that medal was the greatest feeling I've experienced in football" he told United back in November 2004. "I know that there is a lot of hard work to do before I can feel those emotions again." United have picked up the Carling Cup since Gaby joined the club from PSG, but, as a result of his injury, he was a result to watch the final while recuperating in Spain. And instead of trying to ass to his trophy cabinet, it's been a battle of another kind - returning to fitness - that Gaby has been embroiled with for the last eight months.
"I sufferd a horrible injury to my knee, but everyone at the club has really helped me through what was a difficult time," he explains. Mr ferguson, Carlos Queiroz, Valter di Salvo had the physios always stayed in contact. It was important for them to know that people in Manchester were thinking of me. Mr Ferguson spoke to me regularly and gave me encouragement. I also have to thank him for letting me choose where to go to recover from the injury in the best possible way."
Gaby's return to full fitness involved playing in several reserve games for the reds, as a sequence of games that led not only to coach Rene praising Heinze's attitude, but also watching his team claim more silverware. Now, back in good shape and with the current campaign out of the way, Gaby is concentrating on Germany.
"I have always said that wearing the shirt of the Argentina national team is not an opportunity that is given to just anybody. You welcome the opportunity every time you wear the shirt, which for me stirs very deep feelings. I want to get to the World Cup finals in the best possible form, then the coach will decide whether to name me or not."
There will be plenty of Reds following Heinze and his team-mates this summer, the Crespo-born defender enjoying a unique affinity with United’s fans, so much so that they often chant the name of his country.
“It is great to hear the fans sing the name of my country. Premiership matches are shown live in Argentina and the commentators talk about it because it can be heard so clearly. It has impressed everyone back home!”
"I don't know why I have such a good support with the fans; you would have to ask the fans themselves. I approach games with the attitude that, no matter if I am playing the best game of my career or the worst, the most important thing is to give my all. Maybe the fans see that."
Should ‘the Albiceleste’ succeed Gaby could meet his English team-mates in the later stages of this summer’s tournament. Gaby admits he would have no problems kicking his United buddies! “Listen, when I play for Argentina I defend my shirt. If I have to kick Wayne Rooney then I will do it,” he laughed. "But I always like to face the best players in the world. Rooney is undoubtedly one of the best, so I'd love to come up against him this summer."
November 2005 para Shoot Monthly
I'LL BE BACK
(Gabriel Heinze talked with Shoot Magazine at the launch of his new boot deal with Puma.
Gabriel Heinze aims to return from a cruciate injury to help Man United to win this season's title.
-Your injury means you are out of action for the rest of the season. How are you bearing up?
"It has been hard but I have had some time to come to terms with it. I am going to fight to recover just as hard as I do when I am on the pitch for United. It is a personal challenge I have to overcome".
-And it looked like it was going to be a big season for you too..
"I want to play in my first World Cup, something that is priceless for any Argentine footballer. For this reason, I hoped everything would go well at Manchester United but that didn't work out. The World Cup is my dream so I am determined to return to the field before the six-month recovert people have said".
-It's a far cry from your debut season when you were an instant hit...
"For me , last season was still a disaster, collectively, because United are supposed to win titles. The only good things to come out of it were the league wins against Arsenal. On the flip side it was satisfying personally although I had an injury that made me miss the FA Cup Final. Sitting on the sidelines in Cardiff, I suffered and felt impotent as I couldn't help my team-mates. It is probably a feeling I am going to have to get used to this season".
-The fans voted you their player of the year...
"This award means a lot, but I don't want anybody to think it's going to go to my head. As a person, I am the same Heinze I was while I was playing in Spain and in France. Success or failure is never going to change me and the fans know it. Anyway, I am not the best player at Man United because here we work together, as a whole, and not around individuals".
-The boss said that he thought you were one of the buys of the season though...
"Fergurson has been a massive influence, He is the person that brought me to one of the best clubs in the world and I'm very grateful to him for that. After the holidays, he told me he believed in me and carry on with was I was doing. For me, it means a lot to deal with one of the highest respected coaches in the game".
-Being trophy-less must have been a shock to the system...
"We've started in the league and in Europe, the way we wanted- without any errors and by working to the maximum in every game. This is what is needed to be champions. I note different things are happening from last year where things didn't go well and we paid the price at the end of the season by not winning anything. That said, I still think it was a huge injustice to lose the cup to Arsenal".
-What is key to United's success?
"For me , unitey in the changing room is fundamental before sporting results. For this reason, I see this season passing with a lot more unity at the club than last year when we weren't successful".
-But you still have some great individuals at the club...
"Many people criticise Roy Keane for his character but he is a leader at Man United. The player who pulls his team together when they are at their worst. Rooney? For his age, he does things of an established star. It's true that he needs to mature in a lot of aspects, but he usually controls himself. I hope I don't have to face him in the World Cup because I will have a hard time. We've joked about it in training and he tells me that he's preparing himself!
"Van Nistelrooy had problems last year with injuries, but not he's in good shape and with a great desire to help the team. He and Rooney make uo the best forwards in the Premiership".
-Can you beat Chelsea?
"Although I haven't seen them being so overwhelming as they were last year, of course Chelsea are a big opponent. They have a large squad and a great subs bench. They could have two different teams going for the title.
"The example is Crespo, who initially didn't feature in the starting 11. In any other club, this would be a crime, but the quality Chelsea has up front is undoubtable. What John Terry said about winning every Premier League game seems to me to be a utopia".
-And then there is Arsenal...
"Arsenal will notice the absence of Vieira a lot, but they're a team who work hard and are always dangerous. I don't believe they'll be champions, but they'll always be fighters".
-What can United fans expect of theit team in 2005-2006?
" I repeat that I am optimistic and I'm not kidding anybody if I say that we're aiming to win it all and this includes the Champions League too!
-And what about yourself. It is going to be a long hard winter...
"I want the supporters to know that I will wage war on this injury to get back playing as quickly as possible!"
2006 para Champions Magazine
"THE WORLD ENDED. YOU ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS, FIND NEW ANSWERS. NOW, THE WORST IS OVER"
For a small-town boy born with a ball in his feet, this season has been pure hell. Still, as Gabriel Heinze tells Marcela Mora y Araujo in this exclusive interview, football is as much about anguish as joy.
When Gabriel Heinze started his first match for Argentina's national squad, facing Ecuador in the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires in March 2004, none of the local had heard of him, He flew to Spain when he was 10 to join Valladolid. After adding Sporting Lisbon and Paris St. Germain to his resumé, he joined Manchester United in 2004. Unlike many Argentines who have struggled on and off the pitch in the Premiership, Heinze soon won acclaim as a reliable, goal-scoring defender. In an Argentina squad under fire for suspected weaknesses at the back, nobody has become more coveted than el Gringo- a nickname derived from his blondish hair and his paternal family's German origins. Having won Olympic gold with Argentina in August 2004, and being voted player of the year by United fans in his first season, Heinze was a winner in every sense of the world. Then, in September 2005, he tore the ligaments in his knee during UEFA Champions League against Villareal. After surgery and a lengthy recuperation in Spain, he has returned to Manchester.
Heinze is a pragmatist. His philosophy in football, as in life, is step firmly, but one step at the time. But he is in good enoguh spirits to talk, at length to Champions...
*Argentines didn't know who Gabriel Heinze was at the start of 2004. But his knee injury has made fans realise he is indispensable*
-How did you come to play football?
I come from a football family. My father, brothers... I come from a small town in Argentina, Crespo, and started playing very young- in the famous potreros [empty lots], there's one in every corner in a small town. Argentines are born with a ball in tow and well, I was also born with a ball, but I never imagined I would get to where I've got.
-How did you get to where you've got?
I went to Newell's Old Boys when I was 14 to start my career in the youth divisions. That was one of the most intense, wonderful things to have happened to me and I'm always grateful. The six years I spent living in the Newells' dorms with a lot of other kids taught me to value the things I have on a personal level. On the pitch, after eight first division games for Newell's, I was lucky enough to go to Spain.
-That was quite a start...
Yes, it was amazing. I didn't even have a contract. I was staying in a hotel for the first time in my life when my agent came up and asked if I wanted to go to Spain. All I knew about Spain was that it was a name on a map I'd seen at school, but I couldn't remember where it was. I said yes and then, as negotiations progressed, he told me I was no longer a Newell's player. That's when I started asking "Where is Spain?" "Where was I going?" Having to tell my parents that I was 19 and I was leaving was not easy.
-How did they react?
My dad never showed any sign of weakness, he was strong and backed my decision. And my mother, like my mother, wept and worried for me. But they've backed me in everything I've done. I've made the decisions, but I always say that 90 per cent of the achievement is theirs. I guess that's when my life changed... A lot of things changed.
-Were you always a defender?
No. As a boy I played upfront. Running a lot, in the centre. I always had high energy levels, always ran a lot. Slowly I was pulled further and further back and eventually stayed as a defender... That was back in Crespo. I've defended ever since.
-Who are your football heroes?
My hero is my father- as a person. He was a footballer, but I don't feel I got any football from him. I admired players like Sensini, Pochetino, Ayala who I saw as a kid and then had the good luck to play with or against. Rio Ferdinand is a very complete player. I always watch defenders closely because you can learn from everyone. And I guess, Maradona. I saw him play and I was in Newell's when he was there, so I have been quite close to him.
-Tell me about when you started playin for Argentina
When Marcelo Bielsa called me to join up with the national squad to play qualifyinh matches nobody knew me in Argentina. I had hardly played there. All my football development had been in Europe. I'm very grateful to Marcelo, I think he's the only manager who could have given me that chance because he watched a lot of football. I didn't know anything about it beforehand, but getting called up is one of my happiest football memories. I got a fax and that day I couldn't train. I had tummy ache, headche, tears streaming, the lot. That was three years ago. I played as a sub against Venezuela, but my first match in the starting line up was against Ecuador in Argentina. We won 1-0, so I started on a winner.
-Club versus country. How do you see this?
I had a serious problem at PSG because I decided to play for Argentina in the Olympics. I'm very clear about this and if anyonw doesn't understand me that's their problem. I'm never going to say no to the national squad. I'm never going to say no to my club either. But I can't compare my national team with my club, that's silly.
The problem I had was really a problem with the schedule and it should be resolved by FIFA, the clubs and national associations... not by Gabriel Heinze.
The calendar isn't prepared by the players. I'm a professional and I'll always give myself to my national squad, for the love of the shirt, and give my best for the club that has trusted me.
-Did you enjoy playing in France, with all the pressure on PSG?
I had three really good years. Being voted best defender in the club's history by the fans- that's satys with you.
-Was it hard after being a star in Paris to become anonymous again when you joined Manchester United?
I've never stopped to think about it. I'm not interested in being more than the others. Quite the contrary. The only thing I wanted to do is work hard. The achievements and the recognition should come after. But I'm never going to become a fame-seeker.
-Were you ever afraid of injury? And how did it affect you?
It's useless to think that way, it's like saying I'm not getting on the plane for fear of it falling. At the time, the world ended. It's one of those things that makes you ask yourself many questions- and find few answers. A lot of uncertainty, a lot of worry. But now the worst is over.
-This is one of those rare occasions when you tell a top-flight player, "Congratulations, you're on the bench..."
(Laughs) Yes. No player likes to be on the bench. But they're steps and I'm taking one at a time. I've come a long way in these past few years.
-Why did you go to Spain for your operation and your recovery?
I chose doctors recommended by players. I can't find the words to thank the medical team. I was 160 minutes of surgery and months of rehab. I'm grateful to Sir Alex and Carlos Queiroz for supporting my decision. An injury is very personal, so the decisions thereafter are very personal. Medical considerations are a part but there are other factors- culture, language... So I felt Spain was where I should go.
-When you were recovering, were you itching to play?
I dreamed about it every day. I would give a lot to feel again what I used to feel, but I learned long ago to always set myself short-term objectives, never long-term. The short-term objective will get you what you want in the long run.
-How would you define yourself as a player?
A pure born worker of football. I say I'm a worker- because of the will, the character, the strengh. I have many limitations and thank God I know them.
-But you score goals...
They're coincidences. Sometimes the guy up there touches you with his magic wand during a match and makes you do those things.
*Heinze had a dream first season at United and a nightmare second, tearing his knee ligaments*
-The funniest thing that has happened to you during a game?
It's not something I enjoy particularly. I concentrate a lot,I'm serious, focused. I can't think of anything funny.
-Your happiest moment on the pitch?
Winning gold at the Sydney Olympics. That came after we had lost the Copa America final and we got the chance to avenge ourselves. Winning that final, the hug with my team-mates after the whistle are some of my happiest moments ever.
-And your worst?
When you lose you always feel like asking, "What am I doing here?" I remeber a match in Portugal when I knew I wasn't feeling fit. I came on and thought: "I'll just stand very still because if I touch the ball I'll mess it up". I can't remeber which match it was, but I remember not being physically right to play and being aware of that out on the pitch.
-Do you lose your temper?
Yeah, quite a lot. I have a special temperament. Maybe because I'm an Argentine.
-What would you advice be to future footballers?
I always say I'm in no position to give advice, but the first thing I would suggest is don't stop studying, don't quit school. And secondly remember that football is one of the most beautiful things, but it's not all a bed of roses. A lot of people think "football" and they're really thinking money... I say that's a lie, football has a lot of things about it nicer than money.
Making it is never an overnight thing in football. You have to work very hard and go through quite a lot of nasty stuff. Bitter moments, sadness. I always say football is more about anguish than joy. At any rate, study first and treat football as your second option. I f you make it, the rest will fall into place.
-Did you study?
Yes, because my parents made it a condition. I was only allowed to go to Newell's if I finished primary and secondary school. It wasn't easy, but I did it.
-Do you think there are differences between the English and Argentine game? In Argentina, footballers like to hang on to the ball more, play with it, while in England it's just the opposite...
Yes, that's true. It's not so much that in England they lob the ball forwards, but the game is very direct here. Very direct in terms of the opponent's goal. Argentina has a very particular style. I always say if you look at the top teams in the world, more likely than not there will be an Argentine in it. But yes, I think here the game is more direct and perhaps in Argentina it's more elaborate.
-Do you think that Europe, rather than Argentina, is now the dominant influence on your game?
That might be the case. It could be also that I'm a defender, so I'm less interested in the pauses... It's possible that for the pure Argentine style I have more direct game, more aggresive even. But wherever I go and wherever I play I will show that there's an Argentine inside me.
2005
Para United official Magazine
PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2004/05
GABRIEL HEINZE
The honest endeavour and consistency of first-year United defender Gabriel Heinze has been major plus in a difficult season. We talked to the man who voted the Reds' most valuable player...
*PLAYER OF THE YEAR
You voted in your thousands, but as soon as we began to root through the postbag it was clear there was only going to be one winner...
1.HEINZE 54%
2.SMITH 16%
3.ROONEY 10%
4.RONALDO 9%
5.GIGGS 5%
6.KEANE 3%
7.FERDINAND 2%
8 VAN NISTELROOY 1%
It's the monday before the FA Cup final at Carrington. After the long journey back from Southampton following United's last league fixture of the seaso, it is only a light training session today.
Intermittently, players drift through the reception area and are duly collared by receptionist Kath Philipps to try on their Cup final shoes, which were dropped off this morning and are lined up neatly next to the welcome desk. Ryan Giggs and Tim Howard, fresh from signing new contracts earlier today, look particularly dapper as they slip their feet into their Hugo Boss. When my interviewee Gaby Heinze emerges, he approaches the task more gingerly. An awkward landind during the league win against Newcastle three weeks previously, left him with an ankle ligament injury that will prevent him from featurin in Saturday's season finale.
"An injury like this normally takes a month to six weeks to heal, but we're trying to rush it", he admits, when we settle down to talk via the club's interpreter Phil Dickinson.
"You work it hard the one day, but you can only really tell progress the next day, I haven't trained with the team- in fact I've only just started running again today..."
No player would have deserved his cup final place more. In a disappointing season, where critics have raised doubts about the qualify of our players, Heinze's consistently high-level performances since his belated arrival last September have been beyond reproach. Strong in the tackle, blessed with the spring to out-jump far taller players and a great reader of the game, Gaby is rightly regarded as the true heir to the great Denis Irwin. The strains of "Argentina" ringing out from the stands may partly be intended to wind up nationalistic opposing supporters, but mostly indicate United fans' appreciation of the left-back's efforts. Most of us hadn't seen him play before he joined, but already it looks like 6.9 million pounds well spent.
He seems to be settling in well off the pitch, too. His family lives a 15-minute drive from Carrington in the Greater Manchester green belt, and he talkes fondly of the "calm, relaxing" atmosphere. He loves the countryside, and although the endless schedule of matches hasn't allowed him to explore widely yet, he enjoys walking close to his home.
He doesn't speak too much English yet, but he understands pretty well. He has a couple of Spanish speakers in the dressing room to converse with anyway...such as his friend, the effervescent Ricardo. Ricardo actually joins us for most of the interview (which is quite unusual, but entertaining), occasionally butting in to jokingly accuse Phil of mistranslation and me of asking bas questions (he might not have been joking about the second one). He wants to go to town with Gaby, but after finishing a coffee, and an animated discussion, Gaby dispatches te big goalie and they agree to meet later.
Gaby sticks around to patienlty answer all my questions and impress with an honest approach, not too dissimilar from the one we see on the pitch. And it's clear from everything he says, that despite the excellent start to his United career, he's taking absolutely nothing for granted.
-You played all six matches in the Copa America in Peru and won silver, then played the Olympics in Athens and won gold. An since you arrived here, 38 matches for United- are you feeling tired?
You do have the odd feeling of tiredness creep in, I suppose. It's a few years since I've had my holidays and I don't get much time to rest with my family. But I put that thought to the back of my mind. It's such a pleasure for me to play football. I love it so much. There's plenty of time to rest when I retire. If I don't have any holidays this summer, that'll be good because it'll mean I'm playing more matches for my national team and for my club. So no, tiredness is not a big issue.
-The boss gave you a little break in winter, did that help you?
Yes, I think he gave me five days off after an international match, so I stayed in Argentina for a few days and had some quality time with my family at home.
-By United's standars, it's been a tough season- no league title, eliminated in the last 16 of the Champions League- why do you think we've fallen short?
You're right. A club like Manchester should be fighting for trophies on all fronts until the last day of season, so it is disappointing. At the same time, these things happen in football. I wouldn't like to say it's failure. You have to remember that there's been quite a few new people arriving at the club during the season and it takes time to adapt and settle in. You can't talk about failure when everyone has worked so hard over the entire season.
But yes, over the summer I think every individual in the team needs to look at themselves. Everyone will draw their own conclusions about their personal form.
-How much did the AC Milan defeat affect the team's confidence- everything seemed to go wrong in the league after that?
All defeats bring with them their own kind of bad karma, but I suppose it was worse with Milan because we all felt so confident before the tie that we'd get through. It did have a negative effect, but I don't want to offer that as an excuse in any way. We had a lot of very vital games against what you might call weaker sides in the league after that and that's where we started to drop points. Chelsea just carried on and never slipped up- we should have kept on their heels.
-Was that constant pressure of chasing Chelsea from the start of the season a factor in our late-season decline?
Firs and foremost, for me, pressure doesn't exist. When you play for a big club and are up with the big boys, you shouldn't be worrying how other teams are getting on. That comes with the territory.
We did everything we could, we tried as hard as we could, but ultimately Chelsea won the league and they deserved it so we have to congratulate them. That's it.
-Is it that they have better players than us, or is it a question of our team not coming together yet?
I'm not the sort of person who likes to make comparisons- I don't compare myself or my team with anyone. What I can do is look inwards, we can put our own house right, and I have 100 per cent confidence in the players we have here. The fans can be confident that we have a great group of players. Everyone will be working very hard to get more positive results next season.
-Since the league went beyond our reach, has it been hard to stay motivated?
Speaking personally, if anyone talks to me about motivation when I'm fortunate enough to play for a club like Manchester United, I just laugh. Anyone who isn't motivated pulling on this shirt, shouldn't be at the club.
-Sir Alex Fergurson has received a lot of criticism in recent weeks- but how much of the blame should the players take for a relatively disppointin season?
[He smiles] Football is so simple and yet complicated at the same time! If we get a defeat, everyone blames the manager, if we win, the players get the credit. You can be the best for many years, and become the worst so quickly. It's easy for people to critise the manager, but I think the critics are people who haven't won much themselves. They shouldn't be criticising someone who has won as mas as he has.
I've been here for a few months now and I've spent most of my time between home and the training ground, so I can speak quite authoritatively on the environment here.
From day one, everyone has treated me really nicely and everything is set up for the players to perfom well. I've had a reasonable season, but whether you do well or do badly, the staff at the club- and I'm talking about everyone behind the scenes- are there for you. I can only say thank you for all they've done for me.
-It seems that you can't afford to lose a single game if you want to win the Premiership- has football changed?
Maybe it's changing, but that´s a good thing.
-With Argentina, you rarely lose, so you know what it takes to go on a long winning run...
Well, we (Argentina) are doing well at the moment, we'll see if it continues. To get used to winning you've got to work hard. We all want to have winning streaks, but sometimes it doesn't happen, no matter haw hard you try.
-As we speak, it looks doubtful whether you will play, but how much of a consolation for the team was it to reach the FA Cup final?
People talk about it as a consolation, but, no, it's a big game. It's a final against a big team and we have to win it.
-We seem to have scored goals more freely in the FA Cup than the league. Why do you think that is?
I don't think the two things are related- you can't put too much importance on statistic. You can make lots of chances in one competition and score from them, and maybe do the same in another competition but not convert them. I don't think it matters which tournament you're playing in.
-The team went white water rafting in Wales before the semi-final- what was that like?
It was great! We had a great laugh. It wans't too scary, but it was my first time so I just had to pay attention to what I was doing. Afterwards, we wenr for fish and chips...actually, I had chicken and chips!
-Alex Fergurson compares you to Daniel Passarella, the great 1978 Argentine World Cup- winning captain- do you see the similarities in your game?
[He puffs out his cheeks] It's fantastic that Fergurson is comparing me to a player like Passarella. I'm very grateful, but I wouldn't go so far. Passarella is one of the greatest defenders ever in Argentina, in the world. I'd never dare to say I'm as good as him...
-Argentina are doing well in the qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup- how important is it to do well in the finals after the disappointment of 2002?
It's hard to put into the words the importance of football in my country... I'll just put it like this: if everything is going well with the national team, people breathe a different kind of air. They are so passionate about the game.
I can't really speak about the comparative failure of 2002, because I wasn't there. On that occasion, as on many others, Argentina had some fantastic players, but there were other great teams. It was just another example of what I said before- football sometimes doesn't add up, it isn't logical.
But hopefully I'll be there in 2006 because it will be a great experience, we'll be working hard to make sure things go well, 2002 was a great side, but this is a new generation of footballers with a different technical team and a new manager. Let's hope we can do well for the Argentinian people.
-I understand you have fear of flying in aeroplanes- that must be tricky with your jet-setting career?
Yes... that's one of the few things I'm scared of in life. It's not just the take-off and landing, it's the whole journey! I really don't like it. I just hope it all passes very, very quickly.
-How different is the expectation at Manchester United compared to your previous European clubs?
The demans and expectations of fans are different depending on the club you're at. At Valladolid, the expectations were lower, but I've played for Sporting Lisbon and Paris Saint Germanin before Manchester United, and they're both massive clubs. What I would say is that I've got very happy memories of all the teams I've played for. Like here, everyone has treated me very well. I've had good times and I've been fortunate to be well received by the fans at each club. Especially in France- I had three very good years there and the fans were fantastic. I was always thankful for that, just like Iam here and I would like to say thanks again to the United fans for getting behind me.
Like everyone, I was aware of how big a club this was when I came. All I can do is concentrate on doing my best for United.
-PSG coach Vahid Halilhodzic once said about you: "If I asked him to shoot with his right foot, he'd shoot with his left just to be awkward"- is that true?
[He smiles] No, I'm a very straigtforward sort of guy. If I find out that anyone lies to me, I don't give them the time of day.
-Was that the problem with Halilhodzic?
It's not even worth speaking about. You can see he's spoken to the press and not direct to me. He is the sort of guy who doesn't like people who speak frankly and face to face. I don't have a lot of time for people like that.
-You were voted the hardest player in France last season- who is the hardest player you've seen over here?
Hmm, I'm trying to decide whether you mean a defender or an attacker... well, I'd say I'm very glad Alan Smith is on our side. He's the type of player who never gives up, chases every lost cause. I wouldn't want to have to defend against him.
-Does it annoy you that people often label you purely as a hard, aggressive player? There's obviously a lot more to your game...
[He shrugs] One of the great things about football is that everyone has their own opinion. One person might appreciate one thing, someone else will see different qualities. But none of that really interests me. All I like to do is play every week and do my best.
-From a personal point of view, how will you look back on your first season here?
Very happy. I've not had a chance to sit down and analyse everything yet, but I'm very comfortable and feel at home here.
-It was your 27th birthday in April, the day before the Everton game- how did you celebrate?
I'm not one for celebrating birthdays much, just quietly with my family.
-But you don't celebrate goals either...
I do, but inwardly!
-Okay, but if you're playing when United score the winner in the Champions League final, will we see you in there celebratin?
[He smiles] Yes...
-Do you think the fact that you've played in so many different leagues gives you an edge over other players of your age?
You might be right, but I can't see it myself from a football point of view. Sure, it's great from a social point of view to have lived in all these different coutries and had all these experiences. Maybe that gives you an advantage as a person, but for me, it's all down to the quality of the footballer.
-Your father Jorge passed away last year- does the memory of him and his influence still give you strength?
Yes, I've got loads to thank my dad for. He's the one who gave me the interest in football. He loved his football and he got me into it- I've been lucky enough to get his far.
He taught me a lot of things; to be an honest person in life, to work hard and have a lot of humility. I think I would have taken those principles with me whatever profession I'd gone into. I will always thank him and my mother for that- they've done that for me and my brothers and sisters.
-You've got a contract until 2009 here after moving around so much, do you hope to settle down now?
You never know in football what's going to happen next. I'm the sort of person whi likes to make continuous progress. Where I'm going to be, where I'm going to end up, I don't know...[He looks and points upwards] that depends on Him upstairs...
-Alex Fergurson?
Ha-ha! Him as well... actually, it probably depends more on him!
Para La revista oficial del Manchester United
2007
Asking Gabriel Heinze to pick his ideal back four, it quickly becomes apparent that the qualities he respects and admires in others are the very same attributes he is renowned for himself: intense loyalty, fierce passion, and resolute determination. Heinze has high standars.
"The difference between a good defender and a great defender", he explains, "is that a good defender is capable of some great performances but a great defender plays at the very highest level consistently throughout his career. And he will naver let those standars drop"
After damaging cruciate knee ligaments in a Champions League game in September 2005, Gaby didn't play again for the first team all season and was sorely missed.
Now fit again, the 28-year-old has high expectations for the coming season, where he hopes and believes he can be part of a United defence growing in stature and maturity.
"At United, I think we can easily get to the level of the back four I have chosen here", he says confidently, "We can become even tighter as a four. We will be a solid and very difficult side to beat", Praise indeed when you consider his dream back four...
*JAVIER ZANETTI
Right -back
Born: 10 August 1973, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Current club: Internazionale
International Team: Argentina
Il Capitano is, to Internazionale fans, one of the greatest ever players to have played for the Nerazzurri. And with good reason. Once known as "El Tractor" for his outstanding durability and endurance.
Zanetti is a full back who likes to break forward. He is a talismanic figure at the San Siro, having made over 500 appearences for Inter in 12 years.
"I love the way he playes and the way he approaches his football", Gaby says enthusiastically. "He is a magnificent professional and a fantastic player. I've played alonside him and you know what you are going to get every single time he plays consistently high levels of performance. If I was a manager, I would demand that from my players".
Capped over 100 times for Argentina, but left out from squad in Germany, Zanetti has captained his country and appeared in two World Cup finals: 1998 and 2002.
*ROBERTO AYALA
Centre-back
Born: 14 April 1973, Paraná, Argentina
Current club: Valencia
International team: Argentina
"Ayala, definitely", Heinze pronounces without a second's pause when asked to name the first central defender in his defensive line-up. "I rank Ayala among the very best central defenders in the world", he adds.
Argentina's current national skipper is another long-serving defender, approaching a century of appearances for his country. Before joining Valencia, Fabián-he uses his middle name as his dad's name is also Roberto- struggled to shine at Milan in Seria A. He played just 24 league games in two disappointing years at the San Siro.
Transferred to Valencia in 2000, his speed and ability on the ball, his aerial strength and his tenacious tackling have since been invaluable to the Spanish Primera outfit. He was a crucial part of their La Liga title successes in 2001/02 and 2003/04. Injuries hampered him in 2004/05, but last season he made 30 appearances as Valencia finished third in La Liga and qualified for the Champions League.
*RIO FERDINAND
Centre-back
Born: 7 November 1978, Peckham, London
Current club: Manchester United
International team: England
"I cannot decide between Rio Ferdinand and Walter Samuel as Ayala's partner; they are both brilliant defenders", Gaby says, mulling over his next selection. "But, I have to make the tough decisions, so I will go with Rio Ferdinand. I have great respect for Rio, he is a player I enjoyed watching even before I came to Manchester".
It's a big compliment for Ferdinand. Samuel was dubbed "The Wall" during his time with AS Roma, due to the inability of attackers to go past him and is known as being a ferocious tackler. Ferdinand is equally impassable, only a more subtle way. Ferdinand's selection again comes down to the player's persona on the pitch- a defining attribute in Heinze's selection process.
"Everyone can see Rio's qualities as a footballer and a defender", he explains. "What makes him stand out for me is that he has great presence on the pitch, he makes his mark on games and demosntrates what a strong personality he has. He also has a unique style, his own style, which I admire".
"He doesn't have a typical English style", Gaby says. "He has the strengh, the aerial presence and the tackling ability, but he is also able to bring the ball out of defence with great confidence. He isn't fazed when an attacker is closing him down. He calmly gets himself out of tight situations whether others would panic and put the ball in the stands. His style sets him apart from every other defender in England".
Doing it in the Premiership is another point in favour of including Rio, who has had 50 million pounds spent on this unpatented technique. "Football in England is not to different to football around the world", Gaby concludes. "The main difference is the rhythm, the speed and the rigour of the game here, which makes it even more impressive that Rio stays so cool"
*PAOLO MALDINI
“Well it wouldn’t be right to pick myself, even though I would love to play in this defence,” Heinze Says. “ There is only one play that would complete this defence and that would have to be Paolo Maldini”.
Astonishingly, Maldini made his Milan debut against Udinese on 20 Janurary 1985. Gaby was just 6 years old at the time. Although naturally right footed he is regarded as one of the best left sided defenders in the world.
“If I were a manager I would love a player like Maldini in my team,” Heinze enthuses. “ Not only does he have the physical qualities of a great defender, he has the mental qualities required. His concentration is exelent and he never switches off. He has great leadership skills too. Just look at the titles and trophies he has won!”
“He has played at the very highest level for his entire career.. and he’s still going! God willing I will still be that ative when I am his age!”.
2007
Para United,the Official Magazine.
HARD HITTING
Tough-tacking defender Gabriel Heinze, veteran of major footballing leagues across the globe, tells Inside United why he loves plying his trade in the Premiership...
"I've never changed my style of play", says United's Gaby Heinze, "Like it or loathe it, I'm not going to change the way I play for anyone".
It's safe to say United fans wouldn't have it any other way. The terrier-like * Argentinian defender has plied is no-nonsense trade in leagues across the globe and it's an approach that's made him fans' favourite at each club-not least at Old Trafford, where he found instant popularity with the United faithful. "Whatever the league I've been in, I've continued in my own style", he says, before adding with a wry smile, "it's got me in trouble with referees on one or two occasions in a few countries".
Since his arrival from Paris St Germain in June 2004, the Argentine has been made to feel right at home, with regular choruses of "Argentina, Argentina" belting out from the stands, an homage he is quick to admit he appreciates. "I'd be lying if i told you I hadn't heard it", he concedes. "It's really kind of emotional for me. I much prefer the fans to sing my country rather than my name".
United's recent draw with Chelsea was punctuated by nationalistic verbal tennis between the two sets of supporters, with the Reds' "Argentina" chants drowing out the visitors' renditions of "Engerland". "It made me really proud to heard that", says the United man. "I'd even go as far as to say that if you're a bit tired and you hear that, it gives you an extra bit of strength in your legs towards the end of the game".
And unbeknown to the United faithful, the repercussions of their chanting are being felt as far a field as Heinze's homeland.
"The thing is, they show English games a lot in Argentina, so it's made a real big impression that United fans have been singing these songs", reveals Heinze. "People have sat up, particularly when you consider the history and the relationship between England and Argentina. So it's made a huge impression back home".
Having started his career with Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, Heinze arrived in England via Spain, Portugal and France-having played for Real Valladolid, Sporting Lisbon and Paris St Germain respectively. And from his extensive experience of the comparative strenghs and weaknesses of leagues across the world, Heinze believes the Premiership is the most demandinf that he's played in. And while he adheres fiercely to his own defensive mantra, he concedes that the demans on defenders do differ from country to countrym, depending on the style of play.
"There aren't as many vast differences as people might possible think between all the countries I've played in", he says, "but a defender definitely has different requirements according to the league he's playing in. The thing is that stands out about playin in England is that, above and beyond playing in other leagues, there is much more physical contact in defending here-so you need to be tougher.
"The game's a lot quicker here, the pace and the tempo of matches is a lot faster. So maybe you have a little less time on the ball before somebody comes to tackle you. But the football is very dynamic, fast and furious".
Don't think, however, that Heinze is painting the Premiership as some kind of kick-and-rush division; he is full of admiration for irs amalgamation of breathtaking speed and dazzling talents. "I would never say that there aren't great footballers here in this country", he explains. "You still have time on the ball in order to express yourself, and I think that combination of pace and skill is the beauty of football in England",
The combative edge possessed by many attackers in the Premiership, married to the breakneck pace of the games, doesn't make life easy for defenders. Ever eager for a challenge, however, Gaby admites that he relishes the physical battle opponents invariably impose on him. "I think when it comes down to it, I'd prefer to defend against somebody who's strong because you've got one or two more ways to deal with them", he admits. "If somebody's really quick then there's less you can do, If they get past you then you just say "adios!".
Heinze has rarely had to utter anything if that ilk this season. Few attackers get * better of a player who has reasserted its presence in the United first team having overcome a series of injury setbacks starting with cruciate ligament damage suffered in September 2005. Having recovered in time for the 2006 World Cup, his start to the current domestic season was put on hold by muscle wastage. And having finally got his first start of the * in September's draw against Reading, just eight days later he was * again, this time for three weeks, with a bamstring strain sustained in the * win over Newcastle.
Those setbacks, plus competition for * provided by the in-form Patrice Evra * the experienced Mikael Silvestre, gave * a mountain to climb in order to * himself as United's first choice left-back. His recall for rhe momentous clashes against Celtic and Chelsea spolce volumes for Heinze's importance in Sir Alex Fergurson's eyes, and indicated that the 2005 Sir Matt Bubsy Player of the Year remains the Gaffer's preferred option. Certainly his latest comeback has delighted the 28-year-old, who is elated to be facing some of the world's top attackers week-in, week-out.
"Generally these days there are so many good players", he admits. "Whether you're playing in the Champions League or in the Premiership or internationally for Argentina, there aren't any players who are of lower quality. Evert game you're coming up against a top-quality rival. On a game to game basis you really have to be on your toes because there are so many strong opponents".
Having done battle with some of the game's finest throughout his career, Gaby is an authority on weighing up the varying strengths of adversaries. When asked to single out one name for special praise, however, he plucks a surprise from his memory banks: "You do get some players that stand out, obviously," he says. "I've always said throughout my career the one opponent who stood out to me was Patrick Kluivert. His movement and general ability on the ball was always superb... he always used to give me quite a few problems when Valladolid faced Barcelona in Spain".
If the selection of the former Nou Camp striker, most memorable recently for unsuccessful spells at Newcastle and Valencia, is a shock, there's no such surprise at the next name out of the hat: Barca star Ronaldinho. Heinze was team-mates with the Brazilian playmaker during their time together at PSG, with Ronaldinho leaving for Barcelona a year before Heinze came to Old Trafford. And against him in the titanic international hattles between Brazil and Argentina, Gaby is in little doubt on which side he would rather have the Samba star. "It's much better to have him with you than against you", he smiles. "Sometimes you just have to hope he's going to have an off day when you come up against him so that you have a better chance of keeping him under control. But he's just a fantastic player". Having to face up to such a talent does have its up side, however. "When you are playing against the likes of him it's beneficial because you can gain an idea of how good you are", says Heinze. "It gives you a chance to
measure up your talents against his. He's an incredible player, though, and a joy to watch".
Promisingly for United, Heinze regards two of his current team-mates in the same light as the two-time World Player of the Year. "Ronaldinho can do anything he wants to with the ball. That makes him similar in a lot of ways to Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. They're all totally unpredictable on a football pitch and impossible to defend against at times. I'm just glad they don't play for anybody else". High praise indeed. Then again, you can guarantee they're just as happy not to have to do battle with Gaby.
A SALUTTE EL CAPITAN
AS GARY NEVILLE TAKES HIS PLACE IN OUR LIST OF UNITED'S ALL TIME GREAT DEFENDERS, WE ASKED GABY FOR HIS THOUGHTS OF THE CLUB SKIPPER...
"Gary's obviously a very, very experienced player and he's got a lot of qualities on the field. You can sum them up by saying that he performs in the same high level week after week and he's always there. That's why he's been here at such a big club for so long".
"He's got a special kind of professionalism that you need to start the pace for so many years at such a great club as United. The fact that he's now captain is a just reward for the professionalism he's displayed over those years. He wears the colours of the team in his heart, he's from the area * that's speacial as well. I think the fact that he's come through the ranks and has been on the books since he was a boy is something to be really admired at this age where people do move around".
"Every player has their own personal motivation these years, but i think he's a great inspiration for young players * this city. It shows what you can achieve to get to Gary's level. So whether players are at the club or about to join the club, he's someone to be looked as a fantastic inspiration".
Inside United Magazine 2007
I think the Roma match was a game that will go down in history for two reasons; one for the amount of goals scored and how they were created, and two for the quality of football that was played. I think it will go down in the history of United and in the history of the Champions League. I don’t think that there’s any other team that’s ever produced anything like it.
I said before the 7-1 win that I wanted to win to be able to dedicate the victory to the fans, because of all that had gone on in Rome, with all those unfair incidents taking place. The fans are absolutely fundamental to us. If you want to win the trophies that Manchester United are aiming for, you have to have supporters like them,. They have a very important role within the dressing room, because as a group of players, we know that we have supporters that will back us, as they have done for years. Even last season, when we couldn’t win the league, they were behind us. So, for me they are going to be vitally important, just as they have been in all my time here. It doesn’t surprise me that they’ll be giving everything to support us because the objective of winning the league isn’t just theirs, or the players’, it’s everyone’s objective. We’re in it together.
It’s great to be challenging for more than one piece of silverware. To be able to say that at this stage of the season, it’s something that is very difficult to achieve. So we’re very pleased because it’s a big challenge and we’ve needed to show consistency throughout the whole season. It’s going to be difficult, but I think that as things stand today, all the players at the club are well prepared to stay alive and progress as much as we can.
I know all about the Treble in 1999, but I prefer not to pay too much attention to it. I prefer to think about things when they’ve happened, because if you think too much about something like that before the event, you can end up falling flat on your face. I think that everyone who was there should be congratulated because it was an amazing feat, but at the moment, this season, we still haven’t achieved any of our objectives.
There is a lot of competition for places at the moment, which is really good. I’ve always said that I’ve been working hard to be ready to play, after that it’s down to the manager to decide who’s in the side and who isn’t. I’ve always kept up my work rate to be fit and ready whenever the team needed me. I’ve always remained positive to be able to help out my team-mates and that has always been my only objective and still is to this day, to work hard every day and get fit to be able to help the team. The man who decides whether I play or not is the manager, but I’m very relaxed about everything.
This season started badly for me. I had the problem with my leg, but thankfully that’s now behind me. The main thing for me is that I know that I’ve give everything I possibly can in every training session and in every game I’ve played in. I’m very calm and relaxed in my mind because I know that this season I’ve done everything I can to be fit and ready for the good of the team, just like all the other lads have done of course.
United Inside Magazine (Thanks to Katie):
"Chants of "Argentina" haven't been as forthcoming this season with Gabriel Heinze in and out of the side as a result of injury and the form of Patrice Evra.Yet when it has really mattered, during the business end of the season, the 29 year old has been worth his weight in gold.Like a well-hored sprinter he reached his peak towards the end, form that could make for an interesting tussle for the left-back slot next season.
Benched in the beginning of the season as a result of muscle wastage after injury, Heinze made his first start in a 1-1 draw against Reading at the Majeski stadium in Sept.After such a prolonged absence he found it hard finding his form and eight days later he was sidelined again,this time for 3 weeks with a hamstring injury sustained at Newcastle.
With Evra playing well in his absence Heinze's starts were limited cameo roles in the cup competitions as the first half of the season developed,but man of the match performances against both both Benfica and Copenhagen in the Champions league group stage saw him display all the ruthlessness, running and determination that have made him such a vital team member since his arrival.And after being included in crucial games against Celtic in the Champions League and Chelsea in the Premiership it was clear that while Evra was flavour of the month, Heinze still featured prominently in the managers' plans.Not that the competitions for places bothers him.....
"There has been a lot of competition for places,which is really good",he said. "I work hard to be ready to play,after that it's down to the manager to decide who's in the team."
Another man of the match showing slender FA Cup win against Boro pre-empted a longer run in the side and Heinze's stock also rose when he deputised in the centre of defence in the absence of Ferdinand and Vidic.Featuring along side wes Brown he played like a colussus against Shefield United-keeping a clean sheet against adventurous Blades arttacks.
"I know that I've given everything I possibly can in every gane I've played."he said.And you can't ask for more than that......
Thanks to Alyson!!!!
Traducido al Español:
Heinze Exclusivo
NACIDO EN ARGENTINA
JUEGA PARA ARGENTINA
PELEA POR ARGENTINA
El jugador del Manchester United, Gabriel Heinze explica la importancia de la Copa América.
-Duele aún la derrota de la final del 2004, especialmente porque fue contra Brasil?
[Mirada profunda] Es una herida que nunca cerrará. Mereciamos ganar por la manera en que jugamos, por eso realmente duele haber perdido en los penales.
Todo lo que podemos hacer ahora es dar un paso adelante. No es suficiente para Argentina pensar solamente en llegar a la semi final o incluso la final, lo que queremos todos es ganar. Esta en nuestra naturaleza, Argentina siempre quiere ganar.
-En que se diferencia la Copa América con otros torneos importantes?
Es diferente al mundial en donde tenés equipos con muchisimos estilos distintos. Podría comparar la copa con la European Championship, pero la diferencia esta en que se juega cada 3 años y la mayoría de los equipos también se enfrentan en las eliminatorias para el mundial. Esta familiaridad trae fuertes rivalidades. Es como jugar entre dos equipos locales. Y eso le da al torneo un elemento que no conseguís en otros.
-Que significa para vos la camiseta Argentina?
Soy muy patriota. Es muy especial jugar para mi país. Es una de las mejores cosas en mi vida, uno de los sentimientos más lindos que hay. Estar representando a cada persona en Argentina y querer ganar para ellos. Si tenés la suerte suficiente y el privilegio de usar la camiseta, será momento extraordinario.
-Sentiste que tenías que demostrar algo porque dejaste Argentina cuando tenías 19 años?
La gente pensaba "quien"? cuando fui convocado. Había jugado muy poco en mi país antes de irme a España. Pero lo más importante fue que sabía que mi entrenador tenía fe en mi. Mientras de todo para Argentina se que estaré ok.
-Sos conocido en Europa como un jugador fuerte. Cual es tu reputación en tu país?
Similar, estoy orgulloso de que toda la gente que me ve jugar reconozca que doy todo en la cancha.
-Que se siente cuando los fans del Manchester United cantan "Argentina, Argentina"?
[Sonrié]Es algo muy especial. Es una gran motivación también. Estaba bastante sorprendido cuando lo escuché por primera vez. Afortunadamente habrá algunos fans del Manchester alentandonos este verano.
