Ossies Dream – My Autobiography
Ossie Ardiles remains one of the most iconic footballers ever to have graced the English game. After winning the World Cup with Argentina in 1978, Ossie became the first foreign player to make an impact in the First Division, paving the way for the modern era of multinational teams. He became a household name, immortalized in Chas & Dave’s hit record “Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way to Wembley),” and is still remembered fondly today by fans both young and old. The unforgettable 1981 FA Cup Final, when the silky skills of Ossie and fellow Argentine midfielder Ricky Villa inspired Spurs to their famous victory over Man City, will always be what Ardiles is best remembered for. He also helped Spurs to retain that trophy the following year, and to win the UEFA Cup in 1984, and even found time to star in the classic football film Escape to Victory with Bobby Moore, Pelé, Michael Caine, and Sylvester Stallone. 30 years on from those glory days, Ossie retains a unique perspective on the football world, from Argentina to England and through his long career in management, with the emphasis always on style and entertainment. In his intelligent, insightful autobiography, Ossie also talks about growing up under a military dictatorship; how he was torn between two countries owing to the outbreak of the Falklands War, which claimed the life of one of his cousins; and how that football world has changed over the decades.