So, 2013 is at an end. I take a look back at the biggest things to happen in the sport over the past 12 months.
10 - Mona¢o and P$G buying everybody
There's talk today of PSG launching a bid for Lionel Messi, arguably the best player in the world (but more about him later) which would be quite sensational if they could somehow pull it off. But PSG now have rivals in the money game, that being Monaco, who flexed their financial muscles this summer with moves for Falcao, James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho and, er, Ricardo Carvalho. The French league will be an interesting one to watch in 2014 to see which one of these will come out on top. Watch out for PSG in the Champions League too.
9 - What do AVB, Roberto Mancini and Nigel Adkins have in common?
Well, the answer is they were all fired in 2013 by Premier League clubs as the managerial merry go round reached new levels. FOUR managers have been sacked this month alone, with Martin Jol, Steve Clarke, Andre Feather Boas and Malky Mackay being told that their time is up. In all, 13 of the 23 clubs that have graced the Premier League in 2013 have changed their managers this year, an increase on the 10 in 2012. Of those clubs, Sunderland are the only one to have changed their manager twice, with Martin O'Neill being replaced by Paolo Di Canio, who was in turn replaced by Gus Poyet. I would expect more of the same in 2014.
8 - Ronaldo vs Messi, part 4858990
So, for the 44th year running, the battle for individual supremacy between a Portuguese man and an Argentinian man continues. However the Portuguese one did better this year, unlike previous years, where the Argentinian fella has held the bragging rights. So will Mr Blatter and the rest of the world recognise that this year, Ronaldo has been much better than Messi? I hope so, because he deserves it as I have said previously. The battle will continue into 2014, with both sure to play big parts in Brazil at the World Cup. The rivalry rages on.
7 - Arsenal spent some money (lol wut)
In September this year, Mesut Ozil joined Arsenal, just in case you weren't aware. And with that, a new title challenger was born. This year, Arsenal ended the Premier League on top of the table, and their £42.5 million purchase of the German international has made teams realise that they can compete, and Arsenal have realised themselves that they can compete. Being an Arsenal fan, Ozil is the man I worship, but I do also worship Ji Dong-Won, so that doesn't mean a lot. But the man has undoubted talent, can he help Arsenal maintain their title challenge? We'll find out next year.
6 - Manchester became red again
Not because someone set it on fire, but because Manchester United reclaimed the title from their neighbours, Roberto and Manuel who moved in just down the road a few years ago. The acquisition of Robin van Persie in 2012 certainly helped United to yet another title, with the Dutchman becoming the league's top scorer for a second year running. The partnership of RVP and our kid Wayne certainly paid off for Sir Alex, who departed Old Trafford with more silverware to his name. Can they win it in 2014? We'll see, but David Moyes will have to do something special.
5 - Tread caerphilly, the Welsh are coming
Yes, 2013 was the year of the Welsh clubs in England. Swansea won the League Cup, Cardiff were finally promoted to the Premier League as champions of the Championship, and Newport were promoted into the Football League following a play off final with fellow Welsh team Wrexham. All in all, they did alright. Swansea of course are now participating in Europe, and Cardiff are enjoying (in the loosest sense of the word) Premier League life. 2013 was a breakthrough year for the Welsh clubs, but can they match it in 2014?
4 - More Welsh stuff
Gareth Bale to be precise. In 2013, he became the most expensive footballer ever as he moved to Real Madrid from Tottenham for a whopping £85 million, eclipsing Cristiano Ronaldo's deal to the same team by £5 million. There were question marks as to whether or not the move would actually go ahead (it did) and whether he could live up to the price tag and expectation (he has). He scored on his debut, he's playing Champions League football, and has a great lifestyle; is there anything Gareth Bale doesn't have going for him? *cough* Ballon D'Or *cough*
3 - The Germans invade, but in a good way
The 2013 Champions League final at Wembley was contested by two German clubs, called Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. The first one won 2-1, and lifted this shiny trophy. They recently added another shiny trophy (the Club World Cup) to cement their reputation as the greatest club side in the world. The two sides demonstrated their superiority in the semi finals, as Bayern demolished Barcelona 7-0 over two legs, and Dortmund beat Real Madrid 4-3 over two legs, winning the first one 4-1. 2014 looks to be another solid year for the Germans, but can their national side win the World Cup? They may well do so.
2 - End it like Beckham
David Beckham retired this year. A global icon, he was, and continues to be, one of the game's most recognised faces, and one of its biggest stars. He ended his career with yet another title at PSG, adding to his titles in England, Spain and the USA. A gentleman until the end of his playing career, he donated his wages at PSG to a local children's charity, a gesture commended by the vast majority of people. Of course, he can't stay away from football, and plans to launch a new franchise/team in Miami to give something back to the game. Good luck Becks.
1 - Fergie time up
The biggest event to happen in football this year was the retirement of the most successful manager in British football, Sir Alex Ferguson. He won absolutely everything with Manchester United (apart from the UEFA Cup, what a failure) and is regarded by many as the greatest manager of all time. He finished his managerial career with a remarkable 5-5 draw with West Brom, but more importantly with the title as Manchester United won their 13th Premier League crown to cap off a wonderful managerial career that started at Firs Park, East Stirling and ended at Old Trafford, Manchester. A true giant of sport.
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