Taking the rap: John Barnes on XY
Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest players ever to have pulled on a Liverpool shirt, former England wing wizard John Barnes will always be remembered for his mesmerising goal against Brazil and his equally dazzling emceeing skills on the Anfield rap and the England anthem, World in Motion.
We spoke to the reds legend at the National Final of the UK’s only national cup for under-13 boys sponsored by Tesco. John Barnes was the ambassador for the event.
So, what's this Under 13-s tournament about?
It's a national cup with teams playing from Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales and the winners come to the city of Manchester Stadium to be crowned the UK champions. The Scottish team have won it for the last years.
Is there enough homegrown talent coming through in English football at the moment?
No, not at all. There are homegrown players coming through, but not enough playing at the top clubs. There's not enough in the Premiership especially in the top four.
Who is the greatest ever Premiership player of all time?
If you're talking purely about the Premiership then I would say over a period of time, Alan Shearer. Thierry Henry or Dennis Bergkamp would run him close.
And who’s been the star of this season?
For me, Michael Essien. I think that Chelsea have utilised him in many different positions. What I like is that he's a real team player. Even if he's not eyecatching he's had amazingly consistent season.
When you went to Watford in the early eighties you were signed for a bag of kit! How much would you be worth in today's market?
You're worth what someone is willing to pay for you. I would have let my contract run out so I could go on a free transfer, get loads of money and Liverpool wouldn't have got anything.
I think Tupac's still alive, I saw him on Moss Side as I was driving to the City of Manchester stadium.
What CD are you playing in your car at the moment?
I’ve got a rap compilation in there from the eighties. It’s got Snoop (Dogg), Digital Underground, that kind of stuff. When I’m driving around I’ll listen to that
Your World In Motion and Anfield Rap performances are legendary. So do you have a favourite rapper?
Yes, Tupac. I think he’s still alive, I saw him on Moss Side as I was driving to the City of Manchester stadium. He’s got a bit of an Elvis quality to him.
Which chick would you date if your wife wasn’t in the way?
Well I don’t know about ‘in the way’, I’m married to her because I choose to be. You can only go for looks and I would go for someone of my age: Halle Berry.
Finish this sentence: 'My life is great but it would be even better if...'
My life couldn’t be any better. I’m happy with what I’ve got. I could have more money or hair but I think that you have to be satisfied with what you have and with your reality. My cup is always half full rather than empty.
Lycos was speaking to John Barnes at the National Final of the UK's
only national cup for under 13 boys sponsored by Tesco. The tournament
which was open to all FA affiliated U13 clubs across the UK was
contested between teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland. The tournament, held at the City of Manchester Stadium was
eventually won in a thrilling game by England who beat Wales by two goals to nil. www.tesco.com/sport
