5 footballers who ruined their legacy

Modified Dec 26, 2016 08:51 GMT

ATHENS, GREECE - OCTOBER 20: Francesc Fabregas of Arsenal is challenged by Dumitru Mitu of Panathinaikos during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Panathinaikos and Arsenal at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium on October 20, 2004 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — Fabregas was one of the brightest footballers to come through Arsenal’s academy

#4 Paolo Di Canio

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05 : Paolo Di Canio bows out during the Tony Carr Testimonial match between the Academy All-Stars and West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground on May 05, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) — Di Canio was very popular amongst the Hammers’ faithful

Perhaps history’s most likeable fascist, Di Canio began his career at Lazio. After a mixed spell at Juventus, Napoli and Milan – where he won the league and narrowly missed out on the Champions League – he went to Britain to play for West Ham United and mesmerised fans at the London club.

Di Canio was so good for the Hammers that Alex Ferguson tried to sign him for United, but the Italian would return to his homeland, where his politics would once again land him in hot water; performing a fascist salute in front of Lazio fans.

Eventually becoming a manager, he was hired to be Sunderland’s boss in a bid to survive what has now become a yearly battle against relegation; this prompted the resignation of club vice-chairman, David Miliband. Though he did help the Mackems escape the drop-down, he was fired just 5 games into the next season.

In 2016, he hit the headlines once again, this time displaying a tattoo on Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini, and he was suspended by Sky Italia with immediate effect.

Edited by Staff Editor