Football Manager
Damn. What a game Football Manager is. A game that has taken thousands of hours of my lifetime. Do I ever regret spending my time on it? No. My numbers are, like Matthew McConaughey said, just rookie numbers. I have to pump the numbers up.
I have known the game since years ago. I’ve heard it from my friends, and seen it being discussed on social media by others. However, somehow I never wanted to play it for various reasons. One was that I didn’t have the resources to play Football Manager, and the other was because I was still enjoying EA Sports’ FIFA series more.
Then came the pandemic. It was in March of 2020 when the game’s social media account informed that Football Manager will be free to play for everyone. That’s when I first embraced the game. From April 2020, I have turned into an FM-convert. I have never looked back since.
I have many stories about the game. I have tried many saves, in which each had their own adventures. Well, where to start? Maybe from the easy one. I have brought Manchester United (or Man UFC in the current version) to another treble and multiple Champions League titles. In the process, I managed to lure names like Jude Bellingham, Gavi, Dusan Vlahovic, and Lamine Yamal among others to the famous Old Trafford. Something that might never happen in the real life.
I have also tried one of the most difficult challenges in the game: managing Athletic Bilbao. The team is known for their philosophy, which only allows Basque-developed footballers to play for the club. Some may find it as a super-strict transfer policy, but I also look at it as a great way to be creative. I don’t quite remember if I have managed to win a lot for Los Leones, but I think I’ve brought them to many decent runs in the Champions League. Not much indeed, but definitely not too bad either.
The game also almost landed me a well-paid job. How so? Here I have a story to tell.
Some time ago, I got cut from my old office due to the pandemic. I know it’s hard for every party involved, but I understood their decision. After that, I tried to apply to many companies. Those range from media, sports, and even the creative industry.
One day, a Europe-based online media was looking for a new contributor. The media was looking for writers who could make daily content surrounding Football Manager. They also offered a decent monthly wage; fantastic even if compared to what I can get in my country. As someone very familiar with that world, I also decided to apply. Even though I failed in the interview process, but damn. I never thought this could happen. What started as a casual gaming session has turned into a well-paid job offering.
And you know what’s better? Today I’m currently working in a professional team. A place where I can put some of my FM knowledge into actual football situations. Maybe, like Ange Postecoglou, this can be my way to turn a virtual-world save into real-life achievements.
Talk to: the readers
Gesture: pump fists (underarm pumping of clenched fists, intended to encourage)
Statement: That is my FM story. Now, tell me yours!
