Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s name is not one that immediately springs to mind when you think of prima donna footballers, and for good reason.
It probably has something to do with the fact that during the height of his career, he was an average left-back for Spurs, but still.
He’s hit the headlines today – for a reason other than conceding a penalty in a 2-1 defeat – thanks to his refusal to sign a lucrative boot deal with a manufacturer.
Speaking to Canal+, Assou-Ekotto said:
I’d rather be free than to prostitute myself for a sponsor. In all honesty, when you’re an African player, it’s not that interesting to have a sponsor.
When you’re European, it’s better because business is done in Europe. I buy shoes for £23. It’s a good price for comfortable boots. You can find them on Ebay, and they’re not expensive.
Being fashionable is expensive, but you’re more distinguished to be vintage.
And with that absolute belter of a quote, Assou-Ekotto has overtaken Jamie Vardy as the best footballing philosopher out there. Just.
