Where are they now? Part 2
Here is part 2 of Where are they now? Another 5 former Premier League players that you may have forgotten about.
Gilberto Silva
Age: 35
Who? : Gilberto was a late bloomer as professional football players go, only signing a contract at the age of 22. His first team was Brazilian side América Mineiro before moving to fierce rivals Atletico Mineiro, and eventually moving to England to display his talent on the big stage with Arsenal. He was the anchor in midfield for over 8 years as a Gunner, playing 170 games and scoring 17 times.
Where is he now? : Gilberto swapped North-London for Greece as he penned a contract with Panathinaikos where he spent 3 seasons, before flying back to Brazil and joining Gremio.
When his current contract is up, there are rumours that he wishes to return to Atletico Mineiro, but this is yet to be confirmed.
Igor Biscan
Age: 34
Who? : Biscan began his career at Dinamo Zagreb and played a huge part in what is considered to be the most successful era in their history. Liverpool then signed the Croatian international despite interest from Barcelona and Milan, and he was an ever-present in Gerard Houllier’s first eleven.
Where is he now? : With a Champions League medal in hand, Biscan packed his bags and joined Greek giants Panathinkaikos, but after two years at the club he returned to his home club Dinamo Zagreb where he was greeted by excited fans and an even more excited chairman, who had reportedly been nagging Biscan to come back for months.
After 4 years at the club, his contract was terminated and he is now unattached, looking for a return to the game.
Jay-Jay Okocha
Age: 39
Who? : The man so good they named him twice. This little bundle of flair oozed quality and his technique made him one of the most recognisable faces in football. He had played in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt, in Turkey with Fenebahce, In France after a $24m move to PSG, before gracing the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers.
Trick after memorising trick made Okocha a fan favourite at The Reebok but after 4 years at the club he fell out with the hierarchy and moved to Qatar SC, where he spent a year before returning to northern England to showcase his talent in Hull.
Where is he now? : After being released by Hull in 2008, Okocha has retired from the game. However, he spends a lot of his time running his own bar in Lagos, which is named ‘number 10’
Nicky Butt
Age: 37
Who? : Mention the name Nicky Butt and you won’t have many people asking that question. Although you might find them saying ‘Oh yeah, what’s he doing these days?’
Born and raised in Manchester, Butt progressed at Manchester United as a youngster and eventually progressed into the first team as a part of a group that included David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. He went onto play 269 games for the Reds, winning an incredible 6 league trophies, 3 FA Cups and a Champions League. Not bad eh?
Where is he now? : With first team chances limited, he moved further north to Newcastle United but struggled to secure a first team place. He spent a season on loan at Birmingham City in 2005/06 but would return to the Geordie side and become captain, before eventually lifting the Championship trophy when they won it in the 2009/10 season.
Soon after, Butt went on to play 3 games for Hong Kong club South China and has made appearances in both Gary Neville’s and fellow ginger Paul Scholes’ testimonial matches but is now retired from football, and is currently trying to avoid the sun in case he gets burnt!
Dean Ashton
Age: 28
Who? : A wasted talent, forced to quit the game due to a persistent injury. Ashton looked to have a great future ahead of him when he was scoring for fun whilst contracted to Crewe Alex, the club he had joined as a 16 year old.
After 61 goals in 159 games, Norwich splashed £3m on the 22 year-old, and Ashton would go on to score 18 goals in 46 games for the Canaries before moving south to West Ham for an impressive £7.5m.
Ashton was on fire for the Yellows and warranted himself a call up to the England squad. However, a dismal challenge by Shaun Wright Phillips in a training session broke the striker’s ankle, keeping him out for well over a year. He also injured his knee ligaments which would effectively be the end of his career for both his club and country.
Where is he now? : He did eventually win his England cap in 2008 but had no choice but to leave football on medical advice. Since playing, Ashton has stayed away from the game and is said to be enjoying time with his family before considering a return as a coach.
To read part One of Where are they now, click here.
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