Rohan Ricketts embarked on a footballing journey that spanned more countries than many people visit in a lifetime. Beginning with Arsenal in 2001, he played in Canada, Hungary, Moldova, Germany, Ireland, India, Ecuador, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh, all facilitated by his inventive agent. After a brief stint with the Gunners and a more notable three seasons at Tottenham, he had loan spells with Coventry, Wolves, QPR, and a full-time deal with Barnsley before his global odyssey began. In 2011, he won the Irish title with Shamrock Rovers, but his time in Moldova with Dacia Chisinau was a nightmare, as he never got paid. Happier moments included coming off the bench for Shamrock Rovers at Tottenham in a 2011 Europa League tie. His journey also took him to Exeter City and Leatherhead, though he stayed at the Grecians for less than a month, eventually concluding with a stint at the obscure Canadian club Unionville-Milliken.
Stefan Schwarz's career took him to some picturesque locations. Starting at Malmö, he moved to Benfica in Lisbon, then to Arsenal under Bruce Rioch, and later to Fiorentina in Tuscany. Valencia, halfway up Spain's east coast, was next, followed by Sunderland, where a unique contract clause prevented him from leaving the earth's atmosphere due to his interest in space travel. Schwarz enjoyed success with Sunderland but was released in 2003 after a falling out with Peter Reid, alongside the notoriously inept Lilian Laslandes. His career also earned him the Funniest Contract Clause Award.
Joselu's career seemed to be winding down when he was warming the bench at Stoke. After loans and stints at Deportivo, Newcastle, Alavés, and Espanyol, he was unexpectedly swooped up by Real Madrid in 2023. During a loan spell, he contributed to Madrid's Champions League and La Liga triumphs and secured a place in Spain's Euro 2024 squad. "When I was at Stoke, I never imagined playing for Real Madrid," he admitted. The 34-year-old is now playing for Al-Gharafa in Qatar.
Dominic Iorfa Sr. retired in 2000 after a career that took him to 22 destinations, including five in Nigeria and others in Belgium, England, Turkey, Scotland, Hong Kong, China, and Ireland. He settled at Peterborough for 68 appearances and 10 goals, earning praise from the Posh Supporters Trust. His longest stint was at Waterford United, where he played 24 matches. His son, Dominic Iorfa Jr., plays for Sheffield Wednesday and has shown less wanderlust.
Samuel Okunowo's career took a dramatic turn from battling Michael Reiziger at Barcelona to playing for Waltham Forest in the ninth tier of English football. Injuries played a part in his fall, but his journey also included a stint in Ukraine followed by VB Addu in the Maldives, perhaps seeking warmth after harsh Ukrainian winters. Trials in Poland and Norway followed, but no contracts materialized. Last seen playing for Barça Legends in Kinshasa in 2023.
Mário Jardel's early career was stellar, scoring 169 goals in four seasons at Porto after starting with Vasco da Gama. Galatasaray signed him, and he scored a golden goal against Real Madrid in the 2000 UEFA Super Cup. After returning to Portugal with Sporting, he moved to Bolton but never recaptured his form, playing for 14 clubs in total. Personal issues, including a cocaine overdose, may have contributed to his decline.
Darko Pancev was a goal machine in Yugoslavia, scoring 193 times, including three prolific seasons with Red Star Belgrade. His move to Inter Milan was prestigious but unsuccessful, leading to loans and spells in Leipzig, Düsseldorf, and Sion. Critics noted his lack of movement on the field, but he defended his natural talent for scoring.
Ade Akinbiyi was unfairly labeled "Ade AkinBadBuy" at one of his 14 clubs. His career included stints in England, the MLS with Houston Dynamo, and a final farewell at Colwyn Bay. Despite the criticism, his strength of character was never in doubt, as he declared, "I'd never hide."
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
