Andy Mitten

Andy Mitten

European Football Correspondent
Barcelona and Manchester
Andy is an author of 12 books. He founded the best-selling United We Stand fanzine when he was 15.He's interviewed over 500 famous footballers past and present. Writing about football from Israel to Iran, Brazil to Barbados. Born and bred in Manchester, he divides his time between his city of birth and Barcelona.
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Articles

Barcelona and Spain great Andres Iniesta finished his playing career at Emirates Club in the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Andres Iniesta: Barcelona and Spain magician to call it a day

One of the best midfielders of all time set to announce his retirement on Tuesday. Andy Mitten recalls his interactions with him throughout a trophy-laden career

October 05, 2024
The Milan derby at San Siro is one of the most electrifying contests in football. Photo: Andy Mitten
Understanding the visceral and vibrant Milan derby

The National visited the sporting citadel that is San Siro to witness Inter take on AC Milan in one of football's great rivalries

September 30, 2024
Alejandro Garnacho was one of several Manchester United players who missed opportunities to score against Crystal Palace. Reuters
Man United can't afford to squander chances as tougher challenges await

Erik ten Hag's team wasted a number of opportunities in goalless draw against Palace and need dramatic improvement to get season on track

September 22, 2024
Auckland City coach Albert Riera says he is now settled in New Zealand. Reuters
Albert Riera: The Spanish backpacker leading Auckland against Al Ain

When Riera decided to travel to New Zealand 14 years ago, pitting his wits against the likes of Hernan Crespo was the farthest thing from his mind

September 20, 2024
Al Ain manager Hernan Crespo celebrates with his players after being crowned champions of Asia. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Hernan Crespo looking to go intercontinental after Asian success

Argentine guided UAE club to AFC Champions League glory in May and now readying his side to take on Auckland City in Intercontinental Cup

September 19, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December 2022, shortly after leaving Manchester United. Reuters
Ronaldo: I hope Van Nistelrooy can help turn Man United around

Al Nassr forward tells former Old Trafford teammate Rio Ferdinand that he wishes only the best for the English club

September 12, 2024
Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Lille. Getty Images
Teams from east see chances go south in Europe's club competitions

Western European sides have exerted an increasing dominance over the continent's knockout tournaments

August 27, 2024
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on August 16, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan / Getty Images)
Man United debut 'couldn't be any better' for Zirkzee

Dutch international scored the winner against Fulham in Premier League season opener

August 17, 2024
Manchester United's Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui during the season opener against Fulham at Old Trafford. AFP
Morocco's Mazraoui can 'find solutions' for Man United

Manager Erik ten Hag and teammates impressed by performance during 1-0 win over Fulham

August 17, 2024
Manchester United midfielder Hannibal in action during the pre-season friendly against Real Betis in San Diego. AFP
Hannibal on choosing Tunisia and desire for first-team football

Paris-born youngster is determined to force his way into Erik ten Hag's starting line-up

August 06, 2024
Spain's captain Alvaro Morata leads the trophy celebrations after they beat England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final. AFP
Spain v England Euro 2024 final ratings: Williams 9, Kane 3

Record-breakers Spain win Euro 2024 final 2-1 as Three Lions' wait for second major trophy continues

July 15, 2024
England's Kobbie Mainoo and Spain's Lamine Yamal will face off in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday. Getty Images / AFP
Mainoo v Yamal: Young stars to battle it out for Euro 2024 glory

Emerging talents have dazzled on the big stage and are one step away from era-defining victory

July 13, 2024
Harry Kane of England converts a penalty to put the score 1-1 during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-finals soccer match between Netherlands and England, in Dortmund, Germany, 10 July 2024. EPA / RONALD WITTEK
Netherlands v England ratings: Simons 8, Gakpo 6; Foden 8, Kane 6

Three Lions will take on Spain in Sunday's final after 2-1 victory in Dortmund

July 10, 2024
Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates his side's equalising goal during a semifinal match between Spain and France at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo / Hassan Ammar)
Spain v France player ratings: Yamal 9, Olmo 8; Kounde 8, Mbappe 6

Luis de la Fuente's side secure spot in final after 2-1 win in Munich

July 09, 2024
Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Quarter Final - England v Switzerland - Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany - July 6, 2024 England's Jordan Pickford saves a penalty in the shootout missed by Switzerland's Manuel Akanji REUTERS / Lee Smith TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
England v Switzerland player ratings: Saka 8, Kane 4; Aebischer 4, Embolo 7

Gareth Southgate's Three Lions reach semi-finals after penalty shoot-out win

July 06, 2024