Zaha going to Galatasaray makes absolutely no sense to me. He was offered a 4-year, ￡40 million contract to stay at Palace…at age 30. I guess the other shoe will drop when we find out how much they’re paying him.
At least he didn’t sign with another Premier League club.
He did post a classy message to Palace fans:
As I start a new chapter I want to speak to you Palace fans who mean so much to me.
We have been through so much together, including 10 years in the Prem. There are loads of amazing memories that will stay in my head forever and also some really tough times along the way, but I’m so proud to have played my part in getting us to the Prem and helping to keep us there.
I’ve been wearing the Palace shirt since I was 8 years old, it’s literally been my second skin and I always gave EVERYTHING when I wore it.
You have all seen me angry and frustrated, but you’ve also seen my hunger and passion and the joy that I take from winning, and I hope that is the memory that lives on in the minds of Palace fans.
I grew up two roads away from the bright lights and loud crowds of Selhurst Park, having no idea that I would be at the centre of it all one day, and have the amazing journey I’ve had with this amazing club.
So I would say to my 8 year old self, dream BIG and only you can kill your dream.
I want to thank Steve Parish, all of my teammates, coaches and the entire Palace fanbase for always believing in me and encouraging me to get to where I am today. I have been blessed to play in front of you and call you family from the day you accepted me.
From the bottom of my heart, I’m forever grateful.
Haiti have reason to be disappointed with the officiating in today’s match against China. Twice in the second half they were fouled in the box harder than the foul that netted China a penalty kick and their only goal, and nothing was called. Actually, a penalty was called on one of them, and then VAR took it away.
OK…I’m going to try adding the EPL to my sports-followings. I’ve decided Palace and/or Leeds (tbd) will be my focus. I’ve played through high school and some since, and I love international competitions, so I at least know what I’m watching.
When does it start again? How do I watch it? What’s the best internet site/source for info? Yall help a noobie out.
What Austro said. Palace’s first game is Sat. Aug 12, away to newly-promoted Sheffield Utd (massive banana skin alert).
As to sources of info, the internet is your oyster. Every UK newspaper site will have good info, but I would avoid the Mail as it is 80% eyeball-shredding ads, 15% clickbait and 5% actual news. My go-to is the Guardian, who also have a podcast that has its moments but is too “Big 6” focused for my “Other 14” sensibilities.
If you’re going to go with Palace - and I think you should - you ought to watch “When Eagles Dare” on Amazon Prime. It’s five 60-minute episodes and is fantastically well made (IMHO).
FotMob s a great app/website to stay on top of scores. You can favorite teams and will see the first, with times and TV info. As for general soccer news, twitter is great. I set up and pinned a list for Arsenal and USMNT. Find some big accounts for the team who you want to follow add the list, then see he they follow and add them.
I have a habit of, after recommending something to someone, I go back to watch the beginning to see what a new viewer would see. I did that with When Eagles Dare, and now I’m on Ep 4.
