#4 Roger Verdi
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Often known as the pioneer among British Asians in football, Verdi's career began after a local scout spotted him at a county game and signed him up for the Wolverhampton Wanderers who were then a First Division English club. He asked for a release soon after and moved to Ipswich Town who had at that time had the legendary Sir Bobby Robson at their helm. He stayed at Ipswich for four years during which he progressed through its youth ranks.
He was a victim of racism at the club which prevented his promotion to the senior side of the club. Born Rajinder Singh Virdee to Sikh parents in Kenya, his parents moved to England when he was 7. His name, colloquially, became Roger Verdi at his new English school in Birmingham. He had an opportunity to play for Aston Villa at one point of time after impressing the management with his skill during one trial match. However, this opportunity was squashed by Ipswich town who refused to let him go.
He ended his career at San Jose Earthquakes playing in the North American Soccer League. He has played with and against some of the great names of football like Pele, George Best, Johan Cryuff and Franz Beckenbauer.
