Manchester City

Apparently a hormone called Serotonin is released into the blood stream, at this stage of a relationship, and you become temporarily insane. I’ve had that feeling about football too!

Ian with City's new hero Elano

The first time was at the start of adolescence, when I saw the great Manchester City team that won everything and at the same time the 1970 Brazilian World Cup winners.

Every time I watched either of those teams I had butterflies in my stomach and my heart raced faster. Since then I’ve had a few affairs, the ’76 City team with Barnes and Tueart, the Brazil team of ’82 with Eder, Socrates and Zico and Keegan’s Championship team with Benarbia, Berkovic and Goater. But I’ve waited and waited for a second 'true love'.

Infatuation

I didn’t think I could ever feel like that 'first time' again, but the heart-pounding, face-flushing infatuation is back – I can’t get enough of the 'new' Manchester City. It’s no coincidence that the heartbeat of my “new love” is a Brazilian called Elano.

During the summer I watched Brazil win the Copa America, without Ronaldinho and Kaka but with a player, then unknown to me, Elano, pulling the strings. I didn’t dare dream that the midfield maestro could ever play for my team, Manchester City.

Last season was my least favourite as a Blue; no fun, no entertainment, no goals and no inspiration. For the first time in my life I was in danger of falling out of love with football. It had become stale and predictable.

Treats

Enter Thaksin’s money, enter charming Sven and enter Elano! Suddenly, from watching football because, like a junkie, I just couldn’t break the habit, I’m waking up early on match day, desperate to set off to the ground, wondering what visual treats are in store.

Elano scores again

Will it be a shimmy and a hip swivel that leaves defenders spinning and turning like a 'weeble' wobbling? Or will it be a free kick that arrows so precisely into the top corner of the opposition net that William Tell’s assistant wouldn’t have had the slightest concern?

Just to restore my faith in football even further, Elano appears to be the nicest footballer you’ll meet off the field too. At the recent open training session for young City fans, which I had the great pleasure of hosting, he was signing autographs from the minute he arrived until the last person left. He plays with a smile on his face.

Thanks, Elano, for reigniting my love of football.

Ian's column will be published on, or close to, the 17th of each month. If you want to get in touch, e-mail [email protected]. Or use the form below