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John Charles Mario Risoli

John Charles By Mario Risoli

John Charles by Mario Risoli


$17.49
Condition - Very Good
Only 3 left

Summary

In Italy, where he played for Juventus and Roma, Charles was known as Il Gigante Buono - the Gentle Giant - because of his placid temperament. Charles went on to score an incredible 105 goals in 178 appearances for I Bianconeri - the Black and Whites - and helped them to win three Series A titles in five years.

John Charles Summary

John Charles: Gentle Giant by Mario Risoli

`Whenever I look at him, it is as though the Messiah has returned.' That's how Jimmy Murphy, manager of Wales' 1958 World Cup side, described John Charles. In Italy, where he played for Juventus and Roma, Charles was known as Il Gigante Buono - the Gentle Giant - because of his placid temperament. One of the greatest footballers Britain has ever produced, Charles left his native Swansea at 16 to join Leeds United, where his phenomenal strike rate helped the club reach the First Division for the first time in its history. His goal-scoring exploits at Ellan Road then attracted the attention of Juventus, who paid a British record of GBP65,000 to take him to Turin in 1957. Charles went on to score an incredible 105 goals in 178 appearances for I Bianconeri - the Black and Whites - and helped them to win three Series A titles in five years. In contrast to his humble upbringing in South Wales, he enjoyed a glamorous lifestyle in Italy. However, it was not all glory. A disasterous return to Leeds United in 1962 was followed by a spell at Roma, where he struggled to recapture his past form. The man who was treated as a god in Turin wound down his playing career with Cardiff City before turning to management in the Southern League. This detailed and engrossing biography contains candid interviews with former teammates and family members and follows Charles' life after football, detailing his failed business ventures and his brave fight against cancer.

John Charles Reviews

"The humanity of Charles seeps through these pages . . . this is a story worth telling [and] Mario Risoli does it justice" * The Times *
"Fantastic!" * Leeds! Leeds! Leeds! *
"Well-researched . . . the chapters on his time at Juventus alone are worth the asking price" * Shoot Monthly *

About Mario Risoli

Mario Risoli is a journalist and writer. His first book, When Pele Broke Our Hearts, made the Sunday Times top-ten bestseller list and Arrivederci Swansea: The Giorgia Chinaglia Story, also received critical acclaim. He lives and works in Wales.

Additional information

GOR001396456
9781840188028
1840188022
John Charles: Gentle Giant by Mario Risoli
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Transworld Publishers Ltd
2003-09-04
272
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - John Charles