But it was the Left that most loudly took up the cause of 'humanitarian intervention' in Jugoslavia and were at the forefront of demands for military action. That was the point at which I left the Left, as I saw them as liberal imperialists. By the time Kosovo came round most of my allies in opposing that war were right-wing libertarians, but the left were for the most part positively ecstatic at the bombing of Serbia. This is why I believe that Tony Blair is a more dangerous and violent nationalist than Nigel Farage.
That was all just for show, I thought. Sort of "Vote for us, everyone! Us Lefties can bomb people too!"
It's true though, sad to say, but although the finest people you will ever meet in life go to war, it is also a powerful arsehole magnet. Bosnia was especially bad because, being on the mainland, half of Europe's surly, disaffected teens could easily get there by road and rail
"Plenty of strikers can score goals," he said, gesturing to the famous old stands casting shadows around us.
"But a lot have found it difficult wearing the number 9 shirt for The Arsenal."