There was a time when Manuela Spinelli was one of the most familiar faces in Irish sport. That was due to her ever smiling presence beside then Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni as his interpreter. It did often seem that the Italian felt that he didn’t need Spinelli’s presence. He’d go off on a stream of consciousness in a garbled tongue that could only be described as Traplish. This is one random example plucked from the archives – his answer to a query about Darron Gibson’s fitness. “We have doctor. With doctor, speak 48 hours before. Not 24 hours before. It’s…

Want to continue reading?

Celebrate with us – 7 years of The Currency

Unlock full access to The Currency and The Wall Street Journal with an annual membership and receive a FREE Samsonite Spectrolite Briefcase – worth €175 delivered to your door.

Subscribe

Cancel at any time.

Are you already a member? .