Top 10 Football Quotes of All Time by Former Players and Managers

Whilst footballers might not be blessed with the greatest grasp of the English language, occasionally our stereotypical view is countered with players such as Clarke Carlisle, who entered British quiz show Countdown and did rather well.

With the millions of sets of eyes that monitor their every movement and word during an interview or live game, players and managers can be forgiven for occasionally saying something they shouldn't.

Occasionally, they mean every word of it, of course!

Here we'll take a look at some of the more memorable quotes that have been declared over the years, and the orator that provided us with such amusement or inspiration.

Hope you enjoy.

Ron Atkinson

Big Ron Atkinson has been guilty of a number of humorous gaffes over the years, and they usually come about when he is commenting on a live game.

Here are some of his more memorable lines:-

"

"Well, either side could win it, or it could be a draw!"

 

"On another night they'd have won 2-2."

 

"I would not say he's the best winger in the Premiership, but there's none better."

"

and perhaps his finest quote:-

"

"I never comment on referees and I'm not going to break the habit of a lifetime for that prat."

"

Gordon Strachan

Whilst Gordon Strachan's managerial career might not have been as successful as his playing days, he is responsible for some memorable meetings with the British press.

When probed by a reporter, "It looked like you were outplayed in certain areas of the field in today's game...."

Strachan replied:- "Yes, we were outplayed in certain parts of the field today, the big green area of it...!"

Seemingly not one for ridiculous questions, Strachan punished another reporter when this happened:-

Reporter: "Welcome to Southampton Football Club. Do you think you are the
right man to turn things around?"
 

Strachan replied: "No. I was asked if I thought I was the right man for the job and I said, "No, I think they should have got George Graham because I'm useless."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Best

George Best was considered one of the best wingers of all time and even was praised by the great Pele.

Best's downfall in the end was due to alcoholism, but he didn't depart this world before spouting this memorable quote:-

"

"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."

"

David Beckham

David Beckham was and probably still is the most high-profile football player to ever play the game.

Blessed with model looks and a fabulous right foot, Beckham married a Spice Girl and became a global superstar.

Fast track a career later and Becks has just finished his time with LA Galaxy and is looking for another club at the sprightly age of 36.

Beckham wasn't always so calm in front of the media though, as proved a few years ago when he was asked about his parents.

Becks replied:

"

"My parents have been there for me, ever since I was about 7."

"

Steve Lomas

Steve Lomas player, manager and all-around simpleton

When doing an interview and discussing International rivals Germany, Lomas responded with the iconic line:

"

"Germany are a very difficult team to play....they had 11 internationals out there today"

"

Seemingly Mr Lomas misunderstood the concept of International competition.

Ian Rush

Ian Rush is an icon at Liverpool football club, and fans forgave him when he opted to move to Italy and sign for Juventus.

The move didn't go smoothly and Rush was back on Merseyside after a season away.

Naturally he faced questions with regards to why the move had not worked out as expected.

Rush apparently responded:

 

"

“I couldn’t settle in Italy—it was like living in a foreign country”

"

 

Geography was not Rushies strong point it seems.

Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry has recently re-signed with former club Arsenal on a two-month loan deal whilst he bids to stay fit in the MLS off season.

Henry always seemed to be one of the more intelligent footballers—on the pitch at least.

His philosophy reached its peak a few years ago when he delivered this shocking statement:

"

“Sometimes in football you have to score goals.”

"

Manager Arsene Wenger must have been relieved to know that Henry understood the game so well.

Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona was a superb footballer in his day, but his career was overshadowed when he Kung Fu kicked a fan who was abusing him from the stands.

Cantona was stripped of the national team captaincy, fined, banned and initially given a prison sentence before it was later reduced to community service.

One of the most famous quotes in football was spawned by Cantona when he addressed the media and said:

"

"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea. Thank you very much."

"

To this day, people still argue the meaning.

Bill Shankly

Bill Shankly is the most revered football manager in Liverpool's history after he regenerated the club into a major force.

As with a lot of managers back then, Shankly was at ease with the press and everything he said seemed to be poignant and direct.

If you ever go to Anfield, you can see some of his words adorn the walls.

If you can't make it, then this is perhaps his most famous line:-

"

"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."

"

People still discuss whether this was a sarcasm or genuine belief from Shanks.

Anson Dorrance

Dorrance might not be the most famous figure in football, but he produced a very popular quote when he said:

"

"The vision of a champion is someone who is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when no one else is watching."

"

It's such a great quote because of its accuracy and truthfulness.

After Thoughts...........

Truthfully, there are so many funny and poignant quotes from former players and managers out there that you could go all day long with a slideshow.

I've tried to select a mix of humourous and uplifting lines in this article in order to provide a good mix of emotions when reading.

If I haven't included your favourite quote, then I would be genuinely interested to hear it if you you'd care to take the time to write it below.

Thanks for reading and click here to see some beautiful goals from a footballing legend.

Are you a twerp? Follow me on twitter @petercwebster