Moving abroad for a new job may sound like a dream to us civilians, but for footballers it’s a veritable minefield. Whether it’s the language-barrier, different style of football or the dodgy foreign food, many Brits have struggled to adapt and make an impact overseas. Michael Owen and Robbie Keane are just two examples of players who flourished in the English Premier League, only to flop abroad.
Here at Sport.co.uk, we’ve chosen the Top Ten Brits Abroad - yes, we know it sounds like a dodgy Men & Motors documentary - a list of players, in no particular order, who’ve gone over to foreign lands and prospered, recapturing the form that led to the move in the first place.
John Charles
A true legend of the game, the late John Charles was undoubtedly Britain’s most successful footballing export. A pioneer, he was one of the first Brits to play abroad joining Juventus for a then-British-record £65,000 transfer fee in 1957. And the Swansea boy didn’t disappoint. He Scored 93 goals in 155 matches, winning the Italian League three times and the Italian Cup twice. The Italians loved him too, nicknaming him ‘The Gentle Giant’, due to his spotless disciplinary record and imposing 6 ft 2 frame. Maybe Ryan Shawcross could learn a thing or two from this legendary Welshman.
Steve McManaman
After 10 years at Anfield, McManaman made the high-profile move to Real Madrid. It’s not just a tan he got whilst plying his trade in Spain, the classy midfielder won more trophies than any other British footballer abroad. To add to this he was also the first English footballer to win the Champions League with a non-English club. His finest moment for Madrid came in the European Cup Final against Valencia. The Liverpool legend put in a man of the match display and scored a spectacular volley, helping his team to a 3-0 victory.
David Beckham
Signing for Real Madrid for £25m from Manchester Utd, the fashion icon soon endured himself to the supporters after he scored less than three minutes into his La Liga debut. He went on to make over 100 appearances for the Spanish giants before making the slightly misguided move to Major League Soccer side, LA Galaxy. Why America? The reported £500,000 a week he took home probably played a part in his decision. He has since joined AC Milan on loan and continued to represent England. In short, whilst Beckham may have become more of a brand than a footballer, there’s no denying the success he’s had abroad. His only Achilles heel? Well that would be his Achilles heel! Get well soon Becks.
Paul Gascoigne
A combination of power and skill, when Gazza was on form he was simply a phenomenon. It was a sad day for Tottenham fans, and English football fans in general, when Spurs sold him to Lazio back in 1992. Sadly, he struggled with injuries and the Italian style of football. Still, the English midfielder had his fair share of glory abroad. His fantastic goal against Pescara back in his first season is well worth looking up on YouTube. And despite his form being inconsistent, a certain Mr. Fabio Capello, then manager of AC Milan, was impressed enough to claim he had the potential to be one of the Italian league's great players.
George Best
David Beckham was not the first Red Devil to have a crack at football in America, legendary ladies man George Best was there long before him. From 1976 to 1979, the one in a million midfielder played for Los Angeles Aztecs, Fort Lauderdale Strikers and San Jose Earthquakes. He also represented the Detroit Express on a European tour. Best was a big hit in the states, being named the North American Soccer League's best midfielder in his second season with the Aztecs. True to form, the irrepressible boozehound even found time to open "Bestie's Beach Club" in Hermosa Beach, California.
Rodney Marsh
These days he is best known as a cheeky pundit and for his appearance on I’m A Celebrity... Get me out of here! But in his prime Rodney Marsh was a gifted, if unpredictable, striker. After moderately successful spells with Fulham, Queen Park Rangers and Manchester City, Marsh moved to America and played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He proved a huge success in the States, his combination of power and flair, wowing the American ‘soccer ’fans. The strikers performances helped him become a legend of the NASL; he was even nicknamed “The White Pele” by Tampa fans.
Paul Ince
After a successful, trophy laden time at Manchester Utd, tough tackling Paul Ince made the switch to Italy with Inter Milan. Despite many British footballers struggling with the ultra-defensive style of the Italian league, Ince enjoyed a successful spell with Inter. In his second season for the club he scored six goals in 24 games, and his strong performances in midfield were key to Inters run to the UEFA Cup Final. He was even offered an improved contract to stay with the Italian side, but this Englishman couldn’t resist the lure of the Premier League, and joined Liverpool after two seasons abroad.
Gary Lineker
Currently the face of Walkers crisps and MOTD, Lineker set the Spanish League alight when he signed for Barcelona back in 1986. Then Barça manager, Terry Venables signed the striker after his fantastic performances at the 1986 World cup. He ended the tournament top-scorer and was awarded the Golden Shoe award for his efforts. Lineker instantly won the fans over and was a big hit in Spain, scoring 21 goals in 41 appearances during his first season. However it was his hat-trick against arch-rivals Real Madrid that ensured he would always be remembered by the Barça fans.
Joe Jordan
They definitely don’t make them like Joe Jordan anymore. During his stint in Italy, his aggressive and physical approach to the game earned him the nickname ‘Lo Squalo’ or ‘The Shark’. That and the fact he was missing most of his front teeth! The ferocious Scottish striker moved to AC Milan from Manchester Utd back in 1981 and his tenacious style instantly endeared himself to the Rossoneri faithful. He impressed enough at Milan to be signed by Hellas Verona, at the time one of Italy’s leading teams. Unfortunately ‘The Shark’ suffered a frustrating time at Hellas Verona, as injuries prevented him from hitting top-form.
Owen Hargreaves
Born in Canada to an English father and Welsh mother, Hargreaves was able to choose one of the three nations to represent at international level. Unsurprisingly he chose England. The tireless midfielder spent seven successful seasons in Germany playing for Bayern Munich. He won the German League four times and the UEFA Champions League in 2001. He was soon a highly sought after player in England, and after nearly a year of negotiations signed for Manchester Utd for a fee of around £17m. Sadly, injuries have hampered his career in England, and Utd fans are still waiting to see the best of this talented midfielder.