1. Footymad

On This Day in Footballing History - 3 June: That Roberto Carlos Free Kick, Real Champions League Gl

From disastrous debuts to emotional swansongs and everything in between, this edition of 'On This Day in Footballing History' has it all.


So, sit back and relax as 90min treats you to a much-needed dose of summer nostalgia.


1956 - Gunnar Nordahl's Final Game


Way back in 1956 Gunnar Nordahl played his last ever game for Milan. Arriving at San Siro in 1949 after a ludicrously high-scoring career in Sweden, his goal getting antics continued for the Rossoneri.


The striker went on to net 221 goals in 288 games, making him the highest scorer in Milan history and the leading non-Italian scorer in Serie A.


Nicknamed the Fireman - the job he performed alongside his footballing career in the early days - Nordahl fired his side to two league titles and a pair of Latin Cups. Presumably the latter weren't dancing competitions, right? Right?!


1971 - Leeds Taste European Glory


In 1971, Don Revie's Leeds United defeated Juventus in the two-legged final of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup - celebrating by drinking champagne out of a tea cup.


Having earned a 2-2 draw in Turin, Leeds welcomed the Old Lady to a packed Elland Road confident of getting the job done.


Allan Clarke gave Revie's side the ideal start, firing in a low drive inside 15 minutes before Pietro Anastasi levelled things up soon after. Fortunately for Leeds, this was how things stayed and they secured the trophy on away goals. The Fairs Cup would be scrapped the following season.


1985 - Pappis Cissé Born


Happy 35th birthday to Papiss Cissé.


Let's use this most joyous of occasions to check out a stunning recreation of the former Newcastle man's finest ever goal, netted against Chelsea back in May 2012.


1997 - Roberto Carlos' Impossible Goal


From one physics defying strike to another, today marks 23 years since Roberto Carlos' banana free kick.


The best set piece ever taken - other than Trent Alexander Arnold's corner in last season's Champions League perhaps - was scored in the 1997 Le Tournoi de France.


Brazil were facing Les Bleus in the opening game and despite the competition being billed as a series of friendlies, Roberto Carlos did not hold back on the magic, making the ball move in ways previously thought to be impossible.


2000 - Richard Wright's Bad Day


Richard Wright's first England cap.

Your international debut is supposed to be the most memorable moment of every young player's career. Richard's Wright maiden Three Lions cap was certainly memorable - though not necessarily for the right reasons.


First, the Ipswich Town stopper gave away an early penalty after misjudging a long ball and hauling down David Carabott in the box. Carabott converted from 12 yards but was ordered to retake his spot kick due to encroaching by his teammates. This was when Wright's day got even worse.


The England stopper guessed the right way for the second penalty...only for the ball to bounce back off of the post, onto his back and into the net. D'oh.


Ah well, things couldn't get worse than that surely? Wrong. In the second half Wright conceded another penalty. At least he managed to save this one to secure England a narrow 2-1 win.


2013 - Return of the Special One


Jose Mourinho takes Chelsea job for a second time.

Seven years ago, José Mourinho declared himself the 'Happy One' as he arrived at Stamford Bridge for his second stint as Chelsea manager.


This spell in charge was as controversial - if not quite as successful as his first - with the former Real Madrid boss moving quickly to sell the two time Player of the Season Juan Mata to Manchester United in January 2014.


This bold move appeared to pay off their following campaign with Chelsea reinvesting in the squad and securing a Premier League and League Cup double, before the wheels fell off in spectacular fashion a few months later.


2013 - Barcelona Unveil Neymar


In 2013, Barcelona announced YouTube sensation Neymar as their newest signing. Brought in from Santos for a fee of around €57m (£50m) his unveiling was a classic of the genre.


Awkward waving to the crowd? Check. Doing some keepy uppies in a full kit? Check. A cringe-inducing speech? Check.


What a way to start your Barça career.


2017 - Real Madrid Win the Champions League...Again


Three years ago Real Madrid won their second of three straight Champions League finals, defeating Juventus 4-1 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.


The hero of the hour was Cristiano Ronaldo who grabbed a brace, while Casemiro and Marco Asenio also scored.


The best goal of the night came courtesy of Mario Mandzukic who produced an incredible improvised finish from outside the box to level things up in the first half.



Source : 90min