French newspaper L’Equipe have been asking Joey Barton to comment ahead of various games during Euro 2016. The Rangers midfielder has been scathing in some of his words, with an attack on Raheem Sterling that was so over the top it was nasty.
However, today Barton’s words are really quite interesting, although Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic may not agree with the statements.
Ahead of Wales playing Portugal in the Euro 2016 semi-final (what a time to be alive to be able to type that), Barton took time to praise the Welsh squad and specifically Gareth Bale.
“Honestly, I’m surprised to see the Welsh in the semi-finals. If you look at the players, they are a real team, okay, but not great players individually.
“They have a superstar in Gareth Bale, who plays for the entire squad: usually, the superstar plays for the superstar. In Sweden, Zlatan plays for Zlatan, he is not working for his team, and Sweden were quickly eliminated.”
Bale’s sheer effort for Wales has been impressive but that the Real Madrid player has been able to combine that with his top tier talent has meant he’s been one of the best performers of the tournament.
Barton added some interesting quotes about what it means to be part of a team, and Rangers fans will hope he can transfer this to the Scottish Premier League next season: “I recently read an interview with a soldier who fought in the Battle of the Somme. They asked him who he was fighting for at the time he came out of the trenches.
“His country? Family at home? His children? And the guy said, “All of this, but what really motivates me is the men with me, my friends, those who are in the trenches with me.”
“That’s also what it is with sport: To not drop a teammate… It is the art of being a great team, when you are able to sacrifice yourself for something beyond you. That was the case this year with Leicester and for many others in the past, and something that seemed impossible becomes possible. The Welsh are playing for something bigger than themselves. So, yes, they can beat Portugal.”
