The old loyalty card has been much in play in the Luis Suarez saga, with Liverpool’s owner, manager and supporters all keen to slam it on the table.

What joy! What relief! With our eardrums fairly popping from the relentless cacophony of speculation surrounding the likes of Ronaldo, Bale, Rooney and Suarez, at long last we have a big-name Irish transfer story to get excited about.

Those of us who have long been inclined to stress the first syllable in Confederations Cup have had our prejudices thoroughly challenged by the 2013 model.

We’re all familiar with the image: disgruntled supporters massed on the pitch, chanting ‘Sack the board’. But what happens when the fans become the board?

When it comes to football punditry, I find that ole Bobby Zimmerman rarely lets you down.

Trap must go! / Trap must stay! / We’re all off to Rio! / We’re all going to hell in a handcart!

The venue might be Wembley but it’s definitely Germany not London calling tonight, as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund do battle in the final of the Champions League.

At his best he was virtually unplayable as perhaps the single best crosser of the ball the game has seen.

Whatever your own club allegiance, if you loved football, you had to love Barcelona

Ivanovic gnawed, Blatter hacked and Spanish giants savaged – it’s been a football week red in tooth and claw.