• Premier League

English football is a lot like rugby, says Demichelis

ESPN staff
September 9, 2014
Martin Demichelis admitted it took time to get used to the physical nature of English football © Getty Images
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Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis says the physical nature of the Premier League makes football in this country a lot like rugby.

Demichelis signed for City last summer and, after an uneasy start to life at the Etihad Stadium, later helped Manuel Pellegrini's side win both the League Cup and domestic title.

The defender admitted it took time to get used to the brutality of English football and believes this country interprets football like it does rugby.

Demichelis told the Sun: "It's obvious that the Premier League is the hardest because of how the referees allow a lot more physical contact, trying to work out the good intentions of a player when he's trying to get the ball and not cause an injury.

"In that sense, anything goes. As well as that, the [players'] physiques are different. A kick hurts in England, in Argentina, in Spain or any place -- in that sense the league is super strong but also I understand that it's the way the English interpret football.

"It's how they were brought up. It's what they like, getting kicked and getting up, whistling a player who simulates a foul or stays on the ground.

"It seems that rugby is closely related to football here. They like this game of knocks, of aggressiveness, and you can see it on the face of the fans, when they cheer and shout. It's a way of experiencing it and it's good."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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