Langt Erik Thorstvedt interjuv - Gazza was "insane

[Dharmabum]

Translated this from an Norwegian paper - only the part related to Spurs though.
Insane that Spurs paid Gazza's alcohol bill.

http://www.nettavisen.no/sport/fotball/article3290936.ece

[FONT=&quot]”Insane things happened all the time”[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]” I was at White Hart Lane when Spurs celebrated 125-year anniversary, and all in the stands had been given similar Tottenham flag. When you stand out on the pitch and see that sight, you feel like a part of a family. It is quite delightful, and it’s nice to feel the pride that you have been contributing to this, he says.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] “I have two sons who are fanatical Spurs fans, and we see all the games. Sometimes it is strange to watch TV and think that "I’ve played between those goal posts and I’ve conceded a lots of goals there." It's strange.” [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]He straightens the sweater and smiles.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
“[/FONT][FONT=&quot]The brain is such that it brings out the things that have gone bad[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]If you turn 100 golf swings[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]where 99 are good and one bad[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]it claim that the brain is concerned with that one[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]As[/FONT][FONT=&quot] a [/FONT][FONT=&quot]keeper[/FONT][FONT=&quot] one [/FONT][FONT=&quot]remember a lot of what went badly, and I was not the world's best goalkeeper[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]But it should be allowed to feel that one has played there[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and that you are still welcome over.
That one golf swing is Thorstvedt famous mistake in his Spurs debut[/FONT][FONT=&quot].

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]"[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Even [/FONT][FONT=&quot]the Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is more mobile than Erik Thorstvedt[/FONT][FONT=&quot]." Wrote a big English paper after his debut.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The newspapers dubbed him "[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Erik the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Horrible[/FONT][FONT=&quot]." [/FONT][FONT=&quot]His confidence was put to the test[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]But Thorstvedt rolled up his sleeves[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]was better than ever and changed people's perception.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]"[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Erik the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Horrible[/FONT][FONT=&quot]" became [/FONT][FONT=&quot]"[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Erik the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Viking[/FONT][FONT=&quot]."

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Are you tired of being asked about the mistake you made in Tottenham debut[/FONT][FONT=&quot]?[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“Sometimes I get asked about it, and then I usually reply that I am actually more tired of the goal of Per Egil Ahlsen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbO-fT_JII8)[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]I have a very relaxed attitude to it today, but there and then it was quite ‘[/FONT][FONT=&quot]heavy’," he says.

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Three games after his debut playing Tottenham away to Southampton[/FONT][FONT=&quot], which [/FONT][FONT=&quot]had an 18-year[/FONT][FONT=&quot]-old [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Alan Shearer in the team[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Thorstvedt went out to clear the ball away[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]but Shearer was a little too fast[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]so he ended up having to trip him. Today it would had have been an obvious sending off[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]but the ref [/FONT][FONT=&quot]only took [/FONT][FONT=&quot]the yellow card out of his pocket[/FONT][FONT=&quot].[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]“Had he taken up the red there, I had been out[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and a new goalkeeper would have come in[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]There are small margins[/FONT][FONT=&quot],” [/FONT][FONT=&quot]says Thorstvedt[/FONT][FONT=&quot].
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“Take Kristofer Hæstad for example[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]who sent that back pass and never got a chance again[/FONT][FONT=&quot].”[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Consolation from a 19-[/FONT][FONT=&quot]year-old[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]How did you react to the criticism you received after the debut[/FONT][FONT=&quot]?[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

“[/FONT][FONT=&quot]It's mental disaster psychiatry that applies then, and you must refrain from reading newspapers. You know yourself what you have done, and you do not reminders from others who will tell you what an ass you are. I had to be my own friend, and have positive inner conversations[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Unless you are your own friend[/FONT][FONT=&quot], who will [/FONT][FONT=&quot]be there[/FONT][FONT=&quot]? [/FONT][FONT=&quot]I also received good support from the Tottenham gang[/FONT][FONT=&quot], he said.
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Thorstvedt takes another sip of Caffe latte and think about again. In particular, one episode that made an impression on "[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Erik the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Viking[/FONT][FONT=&quot]."
”[/FONT][FONT=&quot]I remember we had a 19-year[/FONT][FONT=&quot]-old [/FONT][FONT=&quot]central defender named Guy Butters[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Shortly after the debut was over[/FONT][FONT=&quot], he came [/FONT][FONT=&quot]up to me[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]"It is not so bad. When I played my first game[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]I made an own goal[/FONT][FONT=&quot], "he said to [/FONT][FONT=&quot]me.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
”[/FONT][FONT=&quot]I remember it today[/FONT][FONT=&quot], and [/FONT][FONT=&quot]I will remember for the rest of your life[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Margins are small”. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Thorstvedt laughs[/FONT][FONT=&quot].

”[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Sometimes I wonder whether we really have no limits, and perhaps we should tone it down. But it seems that the more crazy it is, the more we people appreciate it[/FONT][FONT=&quot], ”he says.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]You can not laugh at a decent goalkeeper mistake, can you[/FONT][FONT=&quot]?[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]- Yes, it can be extremely entertaining and fun if I do not know the goalkeeper and there is a guy in Japan or something like that, and I have some examples lying on my PC[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]I like bloopers and things that go wrong[/FONT][FONT=&quot], because I [/FONT][FONT=&quot]think it helps to show how fallible we are. Even players of Barcelona[/FONT][FONT=&quot] are [/FONT][FONT=&quot]people, and people do sometimes stupid things[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]both on and off the field[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and I think that's good to remember[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]says Thorstvedt[/FONT][FONT=&quot].

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]And take this opportunity to make a small digression[/FONT][FONT=&quot]:

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]- He has managed to win me over,[/FONT][FONT=&quot]the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Balotelli dude[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]After scoring with his shoulder recently[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Garth Crooks (English football expert) went completely bananas and cursed him out[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and thought it was stupid to do something[/FONT][FONT=&quot]; [/FONT][FONT=&quot]he could have been sent off for a hand ball and stuff[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]But hello[/FONT][FONT=&quot]! [/FONT][FONT=&quot]This is a great sport, and there is an enrichment to have someone who does something like that. So he stands there with that facical expression. He has the same facial expression whether he’s sent off[/FONT][FONT=&quot], or scored [/FONT][FONT=&quot]a hat trick[/FONT][FONT=&quot]; [/FONT][FONT=&quot]there is no middle ground[/FONT][FONT=&quot], laughing [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Thorstvedt[/FONT][FONT=&quot].[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The interaction with the fans[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Just as Mario Balotelli also Thorstvedt[/FONT][FONT=&quot] was [/FONT][FONT=&quot]a popular man among the supporters of all clubs he played in.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]In Gothenburg they sang "Eric dance[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]we will see[/FONT][FONT=&quot]," and t[/FONT][FONT=&quot]hen always [/FONT][FONT=&quot]had to [/FONT][FONT=&quot]take a few dance steps on the pitch. In Tottenham they sang[/FONT][FONT=&quot], "Erik, [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Erik[/FONT][FONT=&quot], what's [/FONT][FONT=&quot]the score[/FONT][FONT=&quot]," and [/FONT][FONT=&quot]if Spurs led 2-0[/FONT][FONT=&quot] he [/FONT][FONT=&quot]had[/FONT][FONT=&quot] to put[/FONT][FONT=&quot] up two fingers in the air[/FONT][FONT=&quot].

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]He played on teams with[/FONT][FONT=&quot] the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]fans[/FONT][FONT=&quot].

”[/FONT][FONT=&quot]I also had a thing when I threw my goalie gloves to the fans when the game was over, [/FONT][FONT=&quot]“[/FONT][FONT=&quot]says Thorstvedt[/FONT][FONT=&quot].

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]But it wasn’t always go painless[/FONT][FONT=&quot]?[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“That's right[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]it was a pretty insane thing, really. The referee blew h[/FONT][FONT=&quot]is whistle[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and I thought the game was over. So I went behind the goal to throw the gloves to the audience[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]When I threw the gloves into the stands[/FONT][FONT=&quot], I saw that [/FONT][FONT=&quot]people were wild in their faces[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]When I turned around[/FONT][FONT=&quot], I see [/FONT][FONT=&quot]that the referee has not blown to end the game[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]but instead has awarded a free kick to the opposing team[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]There were tremendous cheers when I for the first time got hold of the ball without gloves[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Imagine if they had scored then[/FONT][FONT=&quot], think of [/FONT][FONT=&quot]the TV images[/FONT][FONT=&quot],” [/FONT][FONT=&quot]he laughs[/FONT].
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“If they had scored when I was behind the goal[/FONT][FONT=&quot], I think [/FONT][FONT=&quot]that it was completely over,” says Thorstvedt[/FONT][FONT=&quot].

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]He reminisces back and draws parallels to a goalie named Andy Dibble[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]You've probably seen the TV pictures. Dibble held the ball with one hand when an opponent came from behind and headed it out of his hands[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]There was scoring[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and Dibble was granted the application to join the[/FONT][FONT=&quot] videos of bloopers [/FONT][FONT=&quot]for life.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“Andy Dibble was never the same again[/FONT][FONT=&quot],” [/FONT][FONT=&quot]says Thorstvedt[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Anfield[/FONT][FONT=&quot]'s the best place to visit[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]After 218 matches in England's top division[/FONT][FONT=&quot], one [/FONT][FONT=&quot]noticed in certain things[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]One of these is the reception he always got from Liverpool fans[/FONT][FONT=&quot].
“[/FONT][FONT=&quot]I do not think there are some who are so fanatical[/FONT][FONT=&quot], protective [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and hurt when it comes to their team as the Liverpool fans[/FONT][FONT=&quot],” he says, smiling.
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“The strange thing is that Anfield was the best place to get to as an opponent[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]It was the only place where they applauded you when you ran into the goal before the match[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and after the game they applauded you off the pitch if you had done a good match[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]It is possible they have become bitter and withdrawn ever since[/FONT][FONT=&quot], because they have [/FONT][FONT=&quot]not won much[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]but I talked to someone who said that it is still like that.”[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“I think this is a bit cool[/FONT][FONT=&quot],” he says.

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]In contrast to the Premier League[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]where everything must be family friendly and kind[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]there is a great contrast to the Thorstvedt experienced in the Premier League. All[/FONT][FONT=&quot]'s not [/FONT][FONT=&quot]as overwhelming as [/FONT][FONT=&quot]the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Liverpool supporters[/FONT][FONT=&quot].
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“ My first away game was against Middlesbrough, and I would go behind the goal to retrieve the ball. Then there were ten fans that spit on me. Ray Clemence taught me the keeper rule number one[/FONT][FONT=&quot], that one [/FONT][FONT=&quot]had to back-in behind the goal to retrieve the ball[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]so that [/FONT][FONT=&quot]one [/FONT][FONT=&quot]was not hit[/FONT][FONT=&quot].

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]It is in fact a lot of respect and CV in England[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Thorstvedt was fresh and had to work to be respected by football supporters on the football island[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. “[/FONT][FONT=&quot]So it has continued[/FONT][FONT=&quot],” he said.
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“I saw Chelsea playing a game, where David Luiz made a little mess and then was pushed away and lost the ball. He did not get a free kick. Had it been John Terry[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]it would have been free kick[/FONT][FONT=&quot], I'm [/FONT][FONT=&quot]sure[/FONT][FONT=&quot].”[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Gazza[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]The first three months after Thorstvedt signend for Tottenham[/FONT][FONT=&quot], he was [/FONT][FONT=&quot]lodged in the same hotel as Paul '[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Gazza' [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Gascoigne[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]a notorious party lion and the trouble maker[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]It is not something you forget about it first fast.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“He already had many friends from Newcastle residing in the hotel room, and they had a karaoke machine and stuff. The alcohol bill was quite large, and it was paid [/FONT][FONT=&quot]by the [/FONT][FONT=&quot]club. Just the fact that the club paid the bill says little about the discipline[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and that it was very slack[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]With a little tougher rein and regime[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]is it possible it could have gone better with him.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]One of the most famous stories from Gazza period in Tottenham, is when he did his ‘business’ in the goalkeeper gloves [/FONT][FONT=&quot]of [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Thorstvedt before a training session. Gazza is, in other words, far from the A4[/FONT][FONT=&quot] formated person.

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Were you friends[/FONT][FONT=&quot]?[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“We lived in the same village[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]but I[/FONT][FONT=&quot] did not hang out much [/FONT][FONT=&quot]with Gazza[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]I was a father and his group was pretty crazy[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]It is a little legendary gang by football standards[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and quite a few insane people[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Lots of things happened, and very much was funny[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]but a lot was not funny at all[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]It's about respect for people and objects[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]It was so they could get a ride home with one of the plaerys[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and suddenly one took down their trousers and and peed in the car[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]it was not a straight thing to do,” says Thorstvedt[/FONT][FONT=&quot].

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]The smile lured back again[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]He shakes his head slowly[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and points out that not everything that can withstand daylight.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“We had a guy named Steve Sedgley in the club. He was going home and sat in his car[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]When he looked in the mirror [/FONT][FONT=&quot]he saw [/FONT][FONT=&quot]that "[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Gazza" took [/FONT][FONT=&quot]out a gun from his car, and Sedgley tried desperately to get away[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]It did not he get away[/FONT][FONT=&quot], [/FONT][FONT=&quot]and Gazza blew out the rear window of Sedgeley’s car[/FONT][FONT=&quot],” [/FONT][FONT=&quot]tells Thorstvedt[/FONT][FONT=&quot].

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]“ It was sick stuff all the time[/FONT][FONT=&quot].”[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

 

[tototoner]

Cheers for posting, madness about Gazza

 

[Mullers]

The smile lured back again. He shakes his head slowly, and points out that not everything that can withstand daylight.
“We had a guy named Steve Sedgley in the club. He was going home and sat in his car. When he looked in the mirror he saw that "Gazza" took out a gun from his car, and Sedgley tried desperately to get away. It did not he get away, and Gazza blew out the rear window of Sedgeley’s car,” tells Thorstvedt.

“ It was sick stuff all the time.”

:rofl:

 

[mano-obe]

Reading this from Erik The Viking cheered me up after a horrible defeat by Stoke!

 

[Woland]

Some really entertaining anecdotes here from Erik.
I remember the Dibble incident Erik mentions. I just found out that Greaves commented on it, quite funny:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss0z_idbEso&t=3m28s

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss0z_idbEso&t=3m28s[/yt]

 

[Spurger King]

If the Sedgley incident was after the wonder goal against Arsenal, he really should have known Gazza would shoot from anywhere.

 

[sidford]

Thanks for sharing man