In recent years, there has become a common trend with home grown footballers seeking solace away from the British media, and hoping to find a more peaceful football experience.
David Beckham would be the obvious one having graced Madrid, Los Angeles, Milan and now Paris in his glowing career. But for all the big names in the UK swapping British coastline for somewhat sunnier climates, there are a large number of players who have slipped under the radar when it comes to moving abroad.
THE BIG NAMES
Scott Carson (Bursaspor, Turkey)
Carson’s decision to take exile from the UK has proven to be a worthy decision. Already a Turkish Cup runner-up with Bursaspor and an established starter, Carson’s regular football away from the English media may just keep him in the running for an England call-up; after all, Roy Hodgson was a fan of him at West Brom.
Allan MacGregor (Besiktas, Turkey)
Another keeper who was perhaps forced away from Britain after the crisis at Rangers. Had some options to move to the Premier League, but Besiktas came calling and it only seemed right. He is first choice keeper at his new club.
Michael Mancienne (Hamburg, Germany)
Mancienne tried desperately hard to break into the Chelsea team and almost got his chance to be a permanent fixture. However loan moves to Wolves and a lack of support from Chelsea meant Hamburg’s new sporting director Frank Arnesen (formerly of Chelsea) came calling and snapped up the former England U21 international.
Emile Heskey (Newcastle Jets, Australia)
The big man is another one who simply had enough of the English game. Heskey took to Australia to link up with another English striker (Find out soon!). However, he does have an impressive 8 goals in 18 games in the A-League.
Robert Earnshaw (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel)
Earnshaw recently spoke of his fear of the Israel-Gaza conflict after having to seek shelter during a training session. This was an obscure move, but having been recent sent back by Maccabi, Cardiff manager Malky Mackay has deemed him surplus to requirements. Another move abroad move be on the cards.
Joey Barton (Marseille, France)
That infamous press conference of the Scouse-Frenchman! Nothing seems to keep Joey Barton out of the spotlight. He is yet another player who just had enough with life in England, although he seems rather satisfied so far in Marseille. He recently SCORED A CORNER so he must be finding his feet in Ligue Un.
Kenny Miller (Vancouver Whitecaps, USA)
Rangers to Bursaspor to Cardiff to Vancouver. Miller’s not sure whether he’s coming or going! At 33, his career may be nearing its end, but never underestimate what the Scotsman may do next. Proven goalscorer so could prove useful in the Championship still. Maybe even an emotional return to Rangers?
Roy Carroll (Olympiakos, Greece)
Last time I mentioned Roy Carroll in a sentence he was at Odense in Norway, and that was back in 2010. Since then, he’s stayed another year there before making the odd move to OFI Crete before Greek giants Olympiakos decided they wanted another old goalkeeper to replace the even older Antonios Nikopolidis.
By Gareth Messenger
Twitter @G_Messenger
This picture was provided by John_Dobbo.
