Unless you are a Newcastle United supporter, it would be fair to say that most football fans don’t find Joey Barton a particularly pleasant individual. Like or loathe is just not a realistic question about a man who has often found himself in trouble with the law. But whatever your opinion of the midfielder, it cannot be denied he is that rarest of breeds: a sportsman who does not speak in platitudes.
Barton has made headlines for suggesting that Gareth Barry, the England midfielder, is a teacher’s pet and as slow as a tortoise. While it is not for us to agree or disagree, it is refreshing to get an honest opinion from a footballer. So in honour of his outspoken nature, here to enjoy are some of his other memorable quotes.
“Why were they bringing books out? ‘We got beat in the quarter-finals. I played like ****. Here’s my book’.”
In the wake of the 2006 World Cup, Barton ridiculed Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard for releasing autobiographies
“If the Arsenal players don’t like being tackled, they should go and play basketball or netball or one of the other games.” After the 4-4 draw at St James’ Park in February
“The things I have done are stupid and foolish. But they are not war crimes. That’s what gets me. When footballers are on the front page and on page seven is something about soldiers dying or floods or the real tragedies in this world, I ask myself how we can justify that.”
Barton opens up in 2007
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“Where I’m from, you either work hard at school to get out or you escape through sport. The other option is loitering, crime, drugs and prison.”
Life according to Barton
“I wouldn’t be like Lampard or Gerrard, who are superstars at their clubs and want the limelight when they play for England. If there were two balls on the pitch, then I think England would be successful.”
On why Lampard and Gerrard can’t play together
“When there are players who are cheating not only themselves but also the people they work for, then frustrations in dressing rooms are born. You get some players coming off the pitch saying they couldn’t be bothered. Yes, literally. The training ground, too.”
Accusing Premier League players of not trying
“The big thing about Newcastle is there is only Newcastle in Newcastle.”
Making it clear, sort of, why he left Manchester City for Newcastle