Joey Barton – Queens Park Rangers
Bad boy Barton’s last Premier League appearance ended in disgrace.
The ex England midfielder was sent off after 55 minutes of QPR’s final-day defeat against former club Manchester City in May 2012 for elbowing Carlos Tevez.
Before he left the field, he kicked Sergio Aguero – an act that increased his suspension to 12 games.
A lot of people forget Barton’s involvement in the match because of the game’s sensational conclusion, which saw Aguero net a last-gasp winner to secure the title for City.
Nevertheless, Barton remains better known for his non-footballing exploits, rather than his ability as a player.
QPR sent Barton out on loan to Marseille in the 2012-13 season and, while he worked on becoming a more cultured individual, back in England, the Hoops were relegated.
Barton returned to Loftus Road last summer and played a starring role in the Londoners’ promotion back to the top-flight.
Yes, he collected 13 yellow cards and one red along the way, but the 31-year-old bossed many games from midfield.
Barton will be a big part of Harry Redknapp’s Premier League plans. You may not like him, but prepare to be impressed by him.
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