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Eriu, the Dublin-based imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has triumphed in an eight-way auction for the memoir of legendary Irish footballer, manager and commentator Liam Brady.
Publishing director Deirdre Nolan acquired world English-language rights from Tim Bates at Peters Fraser + Dunlop to Born to be a Footballer, which will be published in the UK and Ireland in hardback, audio and e-book on 12th October.
It is described by the publisher as a “fascinating autobiography outlining Liam’s stellar career, from his childhood in Dublin to his incredible feats in an Irish shirt, his infamous FA Cup Final win with Arsenal in 1979, and on to glory in Italy with teams including Juventus and Inter Milan before returning to London and West Ham".
Brady was born in Dublin in 1956 into a footballing family and, having displayed potential as a young player, was recruited to Arsenal at the age of 15, where he enjoyed huge success until his move to Juventus in 1980. He continued his career in Italy playing with Sampdoria, Inter Milan and Ascoli before returning to London and joining West Ham in 1987.
With the Republic of Ireland he won 72 international caps over a 16-year career and is considered one of the greatest footballers the country has ever produced, the publisher said.
After retiring from the pitch he went on to manage Celtic and Brighton and Hove Albion and became head of youth development at Arsenal. He was also assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland from 2008 to 2010. He has been a football analyst for RTÉ since 1998.
He said: “During lockdown I had the inclination to reflect on my life in football and how good it’s been to me. In football you’re bound to have your ups and downs but I regret very little of my career in the professional game. I have great memories and experiences from my 50 years in the sport.”
Nolan added: “I’m thrilled that Liam’s incredible story will be published by Eriu. His outstanding career as one of Ireland’s greatest-ever footballers makes for compelling reading and his insights into the beautiful game are second to none.”