LALIGA and the Instituto Cervantes in Manchester are pleased to invite you to the second edition of “Two Lands, One Passion: Spain, the UK, and Fútbol”.
On this occasion, we will enjoy a conversation between the acclaimed journalist Guillem Balagué and the former footballer, Gaizka Mendieta, who has played in teams such as Valencia, FC Barcelona, Lazio, and Middlesbrough, as well as being a finalist in the UEFA Champions League twice. Together, they will share their life stories and experiences in the world of football between the United Kingdom and Spain.
Guillem Balagué is an award-winning Football Author, Journalist & Presenter who works regularly for CBS, BBC Radio 5 Live, ITV and LALIGA TV.
He came to prominence in his role at Sky Sports and for more than 20 years was a key fixture of their coverage of La Liga. During that time he was known for his regular appearances on Sky Sports News, TV Show “Revista de LALIGA”, his punditry work and for being the go-to man for anything relating to the Spanish transfer market.
As the best known face of the official coverage of LALIGA TV he built up more than 1m followers on Twitter. He has his own YouTube channel, his own podcast and gives Master Classes in journalism at UCFB University in Wembley (London) and the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
Gaizka Mendieta. Regardless of whether we’re talking about passes or shots from distance or closer to the box, Mendieta’s immense quality shone through thanks to his textbook execution and exceptional vision. He was capable of picking a teammate out or hitting the target from medium or long range, conjuring up some goals that’ll live long in the memory. During his time at Valencia, he lifted the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. In 2001, he moved to SS Lazio, before returning to LALIGA EA Sports with FC Barcelona for one year. Finally, he ended his career in the EPL in the summer of 2008.
Book Two Lands, One Passion: Spain, the UK and Fútbol at Instituto Cervantes Manchester
