We got a lot of discussion on the programme about the merits of Picasso as we debated Ronaldo's future with the relative attractions (cultural and otherwise) of north-west England and Spain. So I promised to unburden my thoughts.

I was lucky enough to spend a year in Barcelona as part of my Spanish studies and happened to arrive at the start of a year long celebration of Picasso's work.

To say he couldn't draw or paint is to be wrong. He was highly trained in the disciplined copying of the masters, and in drawing the human body from plaster casts and live models. If you look at only one of his early paintings, the Blue Nude, you'll have your answer. Other works from the same (Blue) period are bleaker but show his genius and humanity when he was just a teenager. If it's too bleak, check out his Rose period stuff - much cheerier!

The Cubist (weird!) work was all about looking at the way things are formed, taking that form to pieces. It brought collage (childish art - what's wrong with that?) into the world of Fine Art. Your kids will love it!

And how ironic that a man who remained neutral during both World Wars, and didn't fight during the Spanish Civil War, should end up painting one of the most famous paintings on war and its consequences (Guernica).

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