My Incredible World Cup Journey: Around the Globe from Argentina to Brazil

When a small English boy fell in love with football, his commitment to it was unlikely to wane. As it does with everyone transfixed by its beauty, the game was destined to please, torment and frustrate him in all its imperfection. Such has been the journey of Michael Renouf - watching, supporting and obsessing over football matches since the late 1970s. From the days of short pants and small screened black and white televisions, to international travel and attendance at the World Cup in person, this memoir spans 36 years, stretches across ten World Cups, military juntas, corrupt officials and goals impacted by the divine. Set against the backdrop of personal, political and social change, the narrative explores what football means both within and beyond the 90 minutes on a pitch. It is a detailed, stunning - and occasionally humorous - account, blending life and football into one.