Thanks for the insight. Never thought of the role that turf could play in players' decisions. I know the injury issue (etc.), but even the San Siro has switched to hybrid turf this year after complaints from the almighty Barca in last year's CL quarters.
I understand the money question, but I'm wondering how Montreal can attract these players but Van can't. Do they have more cash?
Also, there should be some cache to living in Van. It's not New York or LA, but it's not Salt lake city either. From what I understand, Nesta just put himself out there, and there were no takers at first. He landed in MTL. This is a guy that was doing a great job shutting down some of the best in Europe just last year. That is the level of class Van needs a sprinkling of to compete.
It's hard to score good midfielders with some mileage left, as they're attractive to keep on good teams. As a Milan fan, I would've loved to see the likes of Saedorf or Gattuso in Van, but that would be a far flung fantasy. I'd love to see half of the geriatrics they cut from their squad end up in Van (Van Bommel, Zambrotta, Nesta, Gattuso, Saedorf, etc).
I'd love to see Del Piero there as well, or even Di Vaio. The status and the hype alone would be amazing, let alone the insights they could bring to the whole squad, as long as the chemistry was right of course.
Van's a world class city to live in, and these footballers are endlessly intent on extending their careers and playing outside of Europe. Could Van afford to bring any of these guys in? What's the missing piece? A new stadium?
Thanks for the insight.