7 British footballers playing abroad

England has never really been a major player in the exporting of home grown talent to foreign soils. Of course there are a scattering of exceptions to that rule. The difference was however, that English players that did choose to ply their trade abroad were high profile names playing for top European clubs. Think Hughes and Lineker at Barcelona, Keegan at Hamburg, Hoddle at Monaco, Platt at Sampdoria, Waddle at Marseille, Gascoigne at Lazio, Ince and Robbie Keane at Inter Milan, McManaman at Real Madrid, to name but a few. Now it would seem that English players only go abroad in attempts to resurrect a dwindling career, and the destinations chosen are a little more obscure.

David Bentley – Russia

The Tottenham attacking midfielder is currently one month into a three month loan with Russian team FC Rostov. Despite loan interest, from a number of English club’s, Bentley wanted to become the first English player to play in the Russian league, beneath the watchful eyes of snipers, machine gun’s and tanks. So far he has played a full 90 minutes in four consecutive games. At the weekend he faces two ex-teammates in Pavlychenko and Corluka, when Rostov takes on Lokomotiv Moscow.

Michael Mancienne – Germany

The former Chelsea and Englandunder 21 defender has been on the books of SV Hamburg for 14 months. Injury ruined his first season in the Bundesliga, but now Mancienne is a well thought of regular, and is being tipped to soon force his way back into the England team set-up. To date he has 18 games for the German club. 

Scott Carson – Turkey

Carsonsurprised many with his £2m summer move to Bursapor from West Brom. He enjoyed a good first season in the Turkish top flight, finishing 8^th in the league and gaining a runner’s up medal in the domestic Cup. More impressively only four goalkeepers conceded less than Carson’s 35.

Joey Barton – France

Barton’s loan move to Marseille was the most high-profile export in the summer. Due to his 12 match ban the midfield nut case has so far only featured in two Europa League games. His appearances on Twitter however have been far more voluminous.

Robert Earnshaw – Israel

After struggling to even warm the bench at Cardiff City, Earnshaw was tempted by the chance to work with Sports Director Jordi Cruyff at Maccabi Tel Aviv. So far the Welshman has 1 goal in 3 appearances for the club. 

Emile Heskey – Australia

Heskey has surprisingly become hot property in Australia. Newcastle Jets response, to rivals Sydney FC signing Del Piero, was the acquisition of the powerfully goal shy English forward. His signing sparked a flurry of shirt sales carrying his name. In fact 5,000 more ‘Heskey shirts’ have been ordered to keep up with demand. At the weekend he also outshone Del Piero, cancelling out the Italian’s goal with one of his own, as the Jet’s beatSydney3-2.

Rohan Ricketts - India

The 29 year old attacking midfielder’s passport reads like that of a world gypsy. The ex Spurs player has played in Canada, Hungary, Moldova and Germany. Most recently he has signed for reigning Indian champions Dempo, making one solitary appearance thus far.

Can you think of any other British players attempting to realign their careers overseas?

image: © wonker

Simon Bunn

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I possess a swashbuckling attitude towards football writing, aiming to pillage the most exciting and thought provoking topics in the business. Blessed with savvy up to date football knowledge, a dangerous obsession for Aston Villa FC, and a mind of alternative thinking, I welcome all readers aboard.