Joey Barton
FameRank: 10

"Joseph Anthony "Joey" Barton" is an English professional Association football/footballer who plays as a midfielder for Queens Park Rangers F.C./Queens Park Rangers. He was born and raised in Huyton, Merseyside. He began his football career with Manchester City F.C./Manchester City in 2002 after working his way through their youth system. His appearances in the senior side gradually increased over the following five years and he made more than 150 for the club. He earned his first Cap (sport)/cap for the England national football team/England national team in February 2007, despite his criticism of some of the team's players. He then joined Newcastle United F.C./Newcastle United for a fee of £5.8 million in July 2007. After four years with the club, he joined Queens Park Rangers F.C./Queens Park Rangers in August 2011, from where he was loaned to Olympique de Marseille/Marseille in 2012.

More Joey Barton on Wikipedia.

I wanted to be put in line with the top earners at the football club. I've left it in City's hands, they know my situation - I've made it very clear where I stand. I was told by the chief executive that it was the final offer so I've had no other option. There are no negotiations, so as far as I am concerned my future lies elsewhere.

It's always nice to be linked with the big boys and always nice to be gazed at from afar and be admired for your football.

People made out I was very, very greedy and was asking for an extortionate amount of money. That was never the case. I asked to be put in line with the top earners at the club and I was not offered that option. I value myself a lot higher than what the club offered me. I think my performances on the pitch have proved that.