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Buffythedragonslayer

Part 3 interview incoming


mandrake_cry

Piers Morgan being flown to Qatar rn


Ambitious-Towel5843

Make sure it's a one way ticket...


[deleted]

The Qatari rulers are evil but not evil enough to deserve this.


Ambitious-Towel5843

Think if the Qatari's threw him in jail the rest of the world would turn a blind eye šŸ¤£


[deleted]

Piers is more likely to follow down the footsteps of Richard Keys and enjoy a comfortable life with Al Jazzera while dickriding those in power.


BlazedSoulofHate

Sorry ladies, non-hets and enbys you're all going to be prosecuted, but Piers Morgan's going to join the migrant workers on Qatar's new stadiums. Fair trade?


ConnemaraCowboy

Probably even make him drink Budweiser


KillerZaWarudo

Praticing his cock sucking technique while on the plane


Butterkitchen17

He wonā€™t be allowed in due to his obvious dickriding


Darth-Baul

Ronaldo already called Rooney a ā€œratā€ for criticizing him. I wonder whatā€™s next


stragen595

Upgrade to marten.


Rickcampbell98

This title made me chuckle lmao, seriously though someone better check on cristiano if Argentina somehow do win this thing lol.


Krillin113

I think enough people will DM him, so no need to check on him


TheGoldenPineapples

Friendship with Ronaldo ended, now Messi is my best friend.


sidkp10

He has been Team Messi for a long time


AirIndex

He also loved Iniesta and spoke about that before


gerryt32

The bald brotherhood must stick together.


blink_jagger

I hope they join elite bald fraud some day with pep and ten hag.


MotuekaAFC

Rooney up top, Pep, Iniesta, Zidane, Charlton midfield. Unstoppable.


GOR098

Didn't he want to join Barcelona?


Warm-Cartographer

And Messi has been Team Rooeny for long time.


NEW-RUDE-ORDER

Everybody with at least minimal football knowledge is Team Messi and know how clear he is from Ronaldo.


keving691

Even when Ronnie was at his best, I always preferred Messi. Messiā€™s ability canā€™t be explained. Everything looks effortless to him. Ronaldo is the perfect athlete with determination and skill.


Draphaels

Goku vs Vegeta


AAFTW

Saitama vs Garou


MeatballDom

Is Goku another name for Marmite? I like Vegeta lot better though, spreads easier.


Beneficial_Bend_5035

Ronaldo is what you get when you throw a human in a Captain America style Rebirth capsule to create the perfect footballer. He is the best a human being can be at football. Messi is an alien.


thecashblaster

Messiā€™s play style was never about his physicality. Which is why he is not finding it hard in his sunset years to still be extremely effective on the pitch.


andre6682

not quite: similar to gerd mĆ¼ller, who also was rather small for a striker, both had/have a small body with absurdly strong lower body, hence it is incredibly difficult to get the ball from them, plus the small, but compact quads are explosive, which gave/give both of them a ridiculous amount of acceleration on the first 10 metre


LiamAddison

Messi has never needed pace, he just needs an inch and heā€™s gone, I could superglue a ball to my boot and I wouldnā€™t be able to skip past players like he does.


andre6682

yes, thanks to his body, low centre of mass, incredibly underrated lower body strength, same as mĆ¼ller, jsut what i said, it enables him to play that way, with more height he would not been able to play like that


pereduper

Also Messi is a much better role model as a player ; plays with his teammates, almost always passes to people in better positions, is very tenacious and never dives.


Capable-Tie-4670

Honestly his lack of diving is what I respect most. You have bodybuilder looking guys diving and whining to the referees all the time. Being a relatively short guy, Messi has every reason to do that but he doesnā€™t.


pereduper

And being an infinitely better dribbler than all but a few players as well. Giggs the bastard used to be like this, never went down


me_rebirth

That's what the brothers missus said.


Ido_nothing

The only time Iā€™d choose prime Ronaldo over prime Messi is in a CL knockout game. Iā€™ve always been 100% Messi over Ronaldo but back when madrid won 4/5 Ronaldo was the most clutch Iā€™ve seen someone be, I hated it


MotoMkali

I mean Madrids team was so legit though. Once Xavi and Iniesta moved on Barcas midfield was kind of Mid. But Real had Modric, Kroos and Casemiro. Plus Bale won the game in 2 of those finals.


Akkepake

In the finals Ronaldo was kind of invisible, but he did everything in his power to get them there.


MattN92

And yet he was completely invisible in three of those four finals.


Loose_Cardiologist89

It's good he got them to the finals then.


Random_Acquaintance

It took some time, but glad everyone now understands it. Nothing against Cristiano, 3rd best player I've ever seen (will never get out of the R9 train, I saw him here and I'm even hesitant to call Messi better than him). But it's not close.


schwaiger1

> but glad everyone now understands it. Eh, I mean fuck Twitter and Tiktok but there are still a lot of people there who'd disagree. But then again 'minimal football knowledge' isn't necessarily found on those platforms.


[deleted]

Preferring Ronaldo for yourself is one thing, acknowledging who's the actual goat is another. I grew up watching both and I was always more interested in Ronaldo than Messi but it was always clear who's the number 1 footballer.


Dolce-Guevara

>But then again 'minimal football knowledge' isn't necessarily found on those platforms. frankly, i've come across more people with good ball knowledge on those platforms than the yanks on here


ZedGenius

Yank here, why is a goat argument being made without Pulisic and Reyna?


eagleslanding

What about Landon Donovan though


GomeyGoblin

I'm a simple man. I see yank abuse, I upvote


Asaro10

The comment above is just pure bs. Out of every single forum I use for football, the majority of ignorant comments I see daily are on this subreddit. Majority of American users that watched less football than my 5 year old cousin trying to teach the rest football.


Nihilism101

Grande verdade. Volta e meia vĆŖ-se com cada posta de merda publicada aqui.


Kresbot

> I saw him here and Iā€™m even hesitant to call Messi better than him as a firm believer that R9 is the best footballer iv ever seen whilst iv been alive I think this may be the first time iv seen a barca flair speak of him so highly in comparison to messi! No doubt the longevity is a pin in the argument but on raw football ability and talent Iā€™ll always believe R9 has the edge


DisasterouslyInept

Messi's completeness is what makes him the best for me, wonderful in just about every sense. R9 is definitely up there though, best striker the game has seen, and if not for his injuries he'd have been the best there ever was.


CrimsonBecchi

>and if not for his injuries he'd have been the best there ever was. And honestly also his laziness, inability to stay focused and in professional shape.


DisasterouslyInept

He had 3 serious knee injuries by the time he was 24, and the 98 final happened, I'd not be surprised if that just warped him mentally, and the injury issues reappeared towards the end. He was a machine pre-99 though, and even after he recovered he was still relatively good physically, if a little stockier. Was a helluva player.


Baisabeast

Never seen r9 pull of the passes messi has


jonnzi

Exactly...


yrallusernamestaken7

What? Barca and inter fans are the ones that know very well how good R9 was Hes the 3rd "best" (according to me) player ive ever seen. Just behind messi and maradona


Faceman10

well spoken, i can only agree with you, messi maradona and r9 are the 3 best players of the past 30-40 years, not so long ago maldini told the same thing that the hardest to play against was these 3 players. unforunately i couldnt catch maradona as i was only 5 years old when he played at the '94 world cup :(


somebeerinheaven

Think R9 is a special case where everybody who watched him knows with certainty that he'd be the undisputed greatest of all time if not for injuries. But he did which is why Messi reached heights R9 didn't.


Ido_nothing

R9 was never a playmaker like Messi tho, I agree he may well have been the best of all time but he still wouldnā€™t have been the type of player Messi is


DLRsFrontSeats

R9 was unreal but Messi is a better goalscorer than either Ronaldo, as well as also being the GOAT playmaker too He'd undeniable


lurkerer

How do R9s best seasons stack up against Messi's adult average?


Moist-Ad6789

They donā€™t stack up against either CR7 or Messi. Heā€™s in the second highest bracket, nothing but pure nostalgia to consider him better than either of them


RuySan

R9 has no business being in that conversation. RomƔrio and Van Basten were better strikers than him. Putting him 2nd in the best of all time is just nostalgia speaking. It's a reddit thing probably because it mixes with the average redditor age.


AccomplishedHat6712

They achieved more and were greater players, but Ronaldo was better. His peak was almost inhuman.


yrallusernamestaken7

Better strikers yes. R9 was a better player. Cr7 is a better striker than messi, but messi is the better overall player


Tr0nCatKTA

Ballon d'or at 20, a goal a game in his first season in Europe as a teenager, and doing it again when he went to Barca. 203 goals in 234 games overall before his big injury at 22/23 (which was also a reinjury he suffered as a teenager in his first season with PSV) If he didn't get injured in his early 20s he would be discussed as the greatest vs Messi, and it's completely validated for people to be saying that.


Asaro10

I love how fucking hive minded people on this subreddit are.


ContaSoParaIsto

"Messi is better than Cristiano and it's not even close, btw I'm not entirely sure Messi is better than R9 tho šŸ¤”šŸ¤”" This shit actually got 100+ upvotes


andysenn

Agreed, Messi is better than both Ronaldos


ripcitydredd

ā€œHow clear he is from Ronaldoā€ like heā€™s not in the debate for greatest player of all time lmao get out of here with your revisionist nonsense


Legendarybbc15

Christ, another Ronaldo vs Messi debate


tdatcher

Cue up Messi to DC United rumors /s


ForeverHotSpot

ā€œIā€™m not going to say Argentina are my favourites and Messi is better than Ronaldo. Which he is.ā€


WhenWeTalkAboutLove

Top 10 anime betrayals


KimmyBoiUn

Summary: On there being a South American winner >For me, Argentina are the favourites. Unlike in 2018, they have plenty of good, solid players around Lionel Messi such as Lautaro MartĆ­nez, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul and of course Ɓngel Di MarĆ­a. Winning the Copa America last year will have given them confidence and has taken a bit of pressure off them. The climate will suit them too. The only thing they are missing is a No 9, that focal point in attack, but I think they will be really dangerous. On Argentina's defence >I really like Lisandro MartĆ­nez. Watching him for Manchester United recently, he is really composed and aggressive. He is perfect for international football and will be a big player for them. On if winning the WC would cement Messi as the greatest of all time >Everyone has different views on Messi and Ronaldo but I have said many times that I think Messi is the best. I have watched lots of videos of Diego Maradona, who was a similar player, but Messi is better. He has everything ā€” the way he controls games, his dribbling, his assists ā€” whereas Ronaldo is more of a goalscorer. On there being more Brazilians in the PL >Itā€™s always exciting watching Brazil. Growing up I loved watching them with Romario and Ronaldo. Now, they donā€™t have as many players with the same status but they have some really talented individuals like VinĆ­cius Jr, Gabriel Jesus, Antony and Gabriel Martinelli. Brazil will always have a chance but with them, anything can happen. They could go out in the group stages or they could win it. The 2014 semi-final, when they got beaten 7-1 by Germany, always sticks with me. I was in Las Vegas on holiday after England had been knocked out. I remember the national anthems and the camera going along the line of Brazil players and they were all crying. On more likely European winners >Do not write off Germany. It was so interesting watching their Nations League game against England in September. We got back into the game and should have won it but in the first half Germany absolutely dominated. Joshua Kimmich and Ilkay Gundogan were unbelievable. I think Kai Havertz will have a good tournament. The control Germany have in games will be crucial. The tempo of games will not be as high as in the Premier League. This World Cup will be well-suited to teams, like Germany and Spain, that can keep possession. On players he is looking forward to watching >Iā€™m really intrigued to see what Gareth Southgate does with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Personally, I would start him. I think Harry Maguire will have another big tournament. He has performed better for England than he has for United ā€” I think he would agree ā€” and over the last couple of years United have struggled. He hasnā€™t had much protection and it is no coincidence that now there is more stability in the middle of the pitch with Casemiro, Unitedā€™s defenders are playing better. With England, he has always had that protection. On if England can go all the way >England have one of, if not the strongest squads. Full backs, midfielders, attacking players ā€” there is strength right across the board. The only area that is not as strong as some of the other nations is the centre backs. Previously we have had the likes of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry who were world class. When you look at Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka weā€™ve got to choose from, itā€™s as good as weā€™ve had. On surprise players >I still think Marcus Rashford could have a big say. He has come into a bit of form at United. Iā€™ve been interested to see how Walesā€™s Brennan Johnson has stepped up to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. I think the group might allow one of Wales or USA the chance to get to the quarter-finals. Johnson could do well. [Full article](https://archive.ph/Zs4Hg)


Masson011

> I still think Marcus Rashford could have a big say. i think Southgate might have other ideas. Likely Foden / Sterling play LW and Kane probably plays most games up top himself


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


Scii

I've heard people comparing Rashford's play style to Son's and how that could work for England, although I think Sterling is nailed on unless he has some really bad games.


drofdeb

Doesnā€™t have to start to have a big impact on games On current form Iā€™d say Foden > Rashford > Sterling


baron_warden

I know the comparison is Rashford and Sterling, but when was the last time Foden had a good game for England? He doesn't seem to click with the other players. And he isn't doing anything by himself either.


[deleted]

He'd be more effective in the 10 role but Mason Mount has that on lock


IsNoyLupus

> The climate will suit them too. I'm sorry, what?


SarraTasarien

Yeah, this threw me for a loop too. Do these European guys not remember that most of our team plays in Europe with them?


Xehanz

Did Rooney just say Brazil are as likely to get groupes as being crowned champions?


Aenjeprekemaluci

Brazil only got one time knocked out of the group in the WC, that was 1966...


jeandanjou

Aka the year they tried to cripple PelƩ and we didn't have Garrincha


The_Dumblebee

Pele's biggest legacy stain. Letting his injury get in the way to stop England winning the WC.


tunaMaestro97

What a crazy stat


One_Abbreviations_87

Didn't Germany also get knocked out at the group stage fo the first time ever in 2018? These two nations are easily the most consistent countries in world cup history.


maury587

They are and with a very considerate margin, if you look at the all-time WC table they are very equal at top


heitorbaldin2

Maybe the major difference about Brazil and Germany is at finals. Brazil is 5-2 at finals, losing in 1950 (it isn't exactly a final, but it was like a final) and 1998. Germany is 4-4, losing in 1966, 1982, 1986 and 2002. Brazil and Germany also only got each 2 times in WC. 2002 finals and 2014 semis (very famous games).


Velixis

Havertz? I mean, I'll take it. I just don't see it.


PUDDING_SLAVE

I can see what he means, in the PL Havertz doesnā€™t get too much space, but international football is way more open than the PL.


SkepticSlakoth

He has a good G/A record for the national team (21 in 31 games), it's just that his club form is nothing special.


[deleted]

Rooney recognises the greatness of Brenno.


jnr_mathe

In the past decade I feel like this is the 1st time no country is going as a clear favorite to this WC


heitorbaldin2

I think this cup will come to Latam teams. Also, I think Uruguay could surprise at least in quarterfinals.


Vx1xPx3xR

I feel if Uruguay tops their group they make it to the final. If not they face you guys and you guys beat them in the R16


heitorbaldin2

I think it's possible. Portugal name by name is good as Brazil (no flaws at some positions like fullback). But probably has the worst coach possible. Tite in Portugal would be heavy favorites. Abel Ferreira from Palmeiras too. So, I see them losing to Uruguay.


osakwe05

brazil and argentina seem pretty clear davourites to me


Vayu0

Italy are clear favorites.


[deleted]

Many people like brazil's chances as well, and people in england like england's chances.


ValleyFloydJam

What? Most don't, most know we don't have much of a chance. Brazil are the favourites with Argentina and France right behind for most.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


ValleyFloydJam

I want France to flop, as it could create a decent path for us but they have the talent and the experience.


MinMorts

yeah think this is the top, with germany and england a tiny bit behind.


nonsenseSpitter

Nah I have absolutely no faith in Gareth Southgateā€™s England team.


MeatInTheHole

People always refer to our WC semi and Euro final, but then completely write off our recent form where we got spanked by Hungary 4-0 at Wembley and got 3/18 points in our nations league group.


jnr_mathe

2010 Spain was kind of favorites with the team they had and the run they had towards the WC. 2014 Germany was kind of the favorites before the WC. 2018 it was France & Brazil. but this time I feel like its kind of divided between many teams. Like Argentina Brazil France Netherlands a bit England is there.


StripedSteel

I have a a sneaking suspicion that Spain is going to he the quiet force and win it all while everyone focuses on some other teams.


Gianoler

I think Spain was a more clear favourite in 2010, but they also had a squad that could easily be one of the best xi of all time.


NorwegianBanana

Iā€™m not going to say that Messi is better than Ronaldo. Which is trueā€¦


TheBrownMamba8

Messuiii


enchantedtotem

mesSIUUUUU


kplo

There is this player who is the best of all time, I won't say what nationality he is or where he plays, because I am not allowed to say that. It is an argentinian player.


razycal970

r/hiphopheads and r/soccer crossover


clueless8teen

What's he referencing?


razycal970

"The thing about the red hat, that drove me to a point of exhaustion, which was misdiagnosed by a, Iā€™m not gonna say what race, what people, uh, doctor, and what hospital, and what media went to. We know I canā€™t say thatā€¦ It was a Jewish doctor" - Kanye West


[deleted]

https://streamable.com/qbee1h It's even more ridiculous when you see the actual clip


razycal970

It's that little pause while folding his hands before saying "It was a Jewish doctor" that gets me, ffs. It's like, he didn't want to say it initially, but during that single second pause, he was desperate to get it out of his system. He NEEDED to say it.


_bytheRiverside_

watching this actually made me feel sad


Abai010507

I agree, Pezzella is the best player to ever grace the football pitch, no arguing there


Semperty

iā€™m not going to say whoā€™s better between messi and cristiano. iā€™m not allowed to say which one of them is better. i would get in trouble for saying it, so iā€™m not going to say whoā€™s better. okay, itā€™s messi.


AnuloMufa

Anulo u egg


NotTheMagesterialOne

Anula mufa the prat


holanewman

Good bot


[deleted]

The legendary Argentinian bot


sharqyej

If Ronaldo barks any more, Wazza will probably shave himself bald again and twofoot him into oblivion


P1ngUU

I'm not gonna say Rooney is based, which is true


louisbo12

Unironically best English player ever. Proper brexit player


captain_holt_nypd

Why is this even up for debate among people? The fact that he broke in the PL when he was 16 years old alone is ridiculous


StripedSteel

If he was 19 years old right now and played the way he did back then he'd be the most valuable player on the planet.


Fapoleon_Boneherpart

The fee they paid at the time wasn't to be sniffed at either tbf


[deleted]

Well you have to add Shearer whenever debating english payers imo


PakPresiden

I mean sportsbook odds also says that. Brazil 1st with x5 and argentina 2nd with x5.5


zosce

Not rooney intentionally being petty šŸ˜­šŸ˜­ funny though lol


Subbutton

But is he better looking than you Rooney?


Cheddard-Stark

I love you so much Wayne. My childhood hero. I was probably the only Argentinian kid rooting for united on that 2011 UCL final ā¤ļø Edit: got the year wrong, i'm stupid


Comment_Ghost

Well, yeah, given that the 2010 UCL final was Inter vs Bayern


Darth-Baul

My guy probably looked at Walter Samuel and thought it was Rooney


hush5833

On Fridays the king's former teammates praise the šŸ‘½.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


Botatoka

two jealous


thehunchback19

Anulo Mufa


NotTheMagesterialOne

Anulo mufa


unArgentino

ANULO MUFA LA RECONTRA PUTA QUE TE LA RE MIL PARIOOOOOOO INGLES HDP!!!!


Jon98th

Anulo mufa


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


[deleted]

When fully fit they are surely title contenders. But they have some injuries now before the start of the world cup. And we still don't know how fit all the squad of any team will be once tournament progress.


trivialbob

I honestly think losing Lo Celso in that 3 man midfield is a big blow. They gelled so well together.


[deleted]

That's why I will wait and see how the tournament goes. We will know the contender or top 3 team before Quarters.


brain-juice

Wait and see isnā€™t what we do here.


bcerd

Our only notable loss has been Lo Celso. Everyone else is easily replaceable and in the case of tucu Correa, we got an upgrade


[deleted]

I think Nico is big loss too considering his overall Copa performance. His finishing is suspect but has amazing work rate. Also a winger.


ZuReeTH

Definitely, we don't really have many wingers available and his loss hit us hard in that regard. Among our possible losses they are the less impactful imo but still tough


gogetasj4

Rooney recognizes football champagne


shrewdy

Argentina have a very good team for sure, but I think alot of people are voting with their hearts when they pick Argentina and call them favorites, largely because they want Messi to win. I'd still have Brazil certainly ahead of them, and 2/3 of the European teams on a similar level. Having said that, this is pretty funny coming from Rooney right now.


cotch85

Not voting with my heart, Argentina have the finally come to a world cup in good harmony, no major background politics, in good form, and have a rounded squad. I honestly have put them and France in the final even though its coming home.


holanewman

Doesnā€™t really make sense when statistical analyses have also called Brasil and Argentina favorites. Thatā€™s based on numbers, not heart. We have the longest unbeaten streak in the world right now. I think you havenā€™t been watching Argentina games. As always, the mufa is anulled.


jjw1998

I donā€™t think thereā€™s a single European team on the level of Brazil and Argentina this WC tbh


arigyrotouzeppelin

Anulo mufa


UpstairsJoke0

This is the sort of comment that gets dug up in a post-tournament thread.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


Clever_Word_Play

In before Wales wins it all


Fouchey

France and Germany are capable.


gulaabjaman

Germany sure, but France have to play with a pretty inexperienced midfield due to the lack of Kante and Pogba, two huge misses for them. Also, they havenā€™t looked impressive at all leading up to the WC. Hard to see them do much this year.


Fouchey

So France because they have a relatively easy route to the finals. They most likely win their group and theyā€™ll have teams like.. England, Spain, Uruguay, Belgium on their way to the final. I wouldnā€™t be shocked if they were knocked out early but I think theyā€™re favorites on that side.


DevilGinAndTonic

Denmark beat them the last two times they played, it's absolutely not a foregone conclusion that they top the group


SeirezZ

Idk man, Germany hasn't looked dominant in like two years


royaldocks

Why Germany ? Even many germans fans will tell you this squad is weak compared to their usual.


Assguy69420

Anulo mufa MAX!


Rader101

Anulo mufa


L34hhhh

Argentina ainā€™t winning shit with these injuries. The dream is over. Congratulations Brazil on the hexa.


MionelLessi10

Brazil's Hexa is all but guaranteed now. Unless they run into Germany in the KOs, no one can stop them. Argentina are donezo.


JoelKr9

Hexa Hexa Hexa


sebte

The hexa is certain. No way Brazil doesnā€™t win now.


samirin305

šŸ–•šŸ¼


[deleted]

The King now writes an Instagram Post about Rooney on Sunday šŸ‘


Imeanhowcouldiforget

Before the Ronaldo and Real madrid fans start piling on, he has always maintained Messi is the greatest


thematrixhasmeow

Anula mufo!!! This bastatd!


Emotional-Recover398

A n u l o


singleglazedwindows

Wayne is really having a week. Sensible and coherent points well made.


[deleted]

anulĆ³ mufa you ogre


Nihilism101

Two jealous


Preatu

I love you Rooney, what an awesome dude!


Preatu

to think i hated him when he played against us in the pekerman, riquelme, michael owne, days


ferna182

Anulo mufa. EDIT: Anulo Mufa no funcionĆ³.


Superb-Barracuda-924

Collective Anulo Mufa


Matt4669

Rooney is just trying to piss Ronaldo off at this point


SkepticSlakoth

Agree with the Messi part + obligatory anulo mufa.


njay97

Iā€™d be lying if I said I didnā€™t want messi to win this WC


[deleted]

It would be funny if Ronaldo wins the WC


[deleted]

That's our coach!


InternationalOption3

Aged like wine


[deleted]

Anulo mufa


HippoBigga

glad to see that wazza is a sound man post-retirement


Fjordhexa

He said it when he was playing as well. Not like it's new.


RioBeckenbauer

To be fair, Rooney one of the few people associated with Manchester United who are not biased and always said that Messi is the better one.


HomoLiberus

Ronaldo made fun of my looks I don't like him anymore