Joey Barton on his reasons for ‘No Nonsense’
Date published: Tuesday 4th October 2016 12:55
In a video exclusive to Football365, Joey Barton has explained the reasons behind writing an autobiography, and why he is who he is.
In the first of four videos discussing his autobiography ‘No Nonsense’, which he co-wrote with journalist Mike Calvin, Barton discusses his character and how he is perceived in the wider media.
The Rangers midfielder has courted controversy throughout his career and hopes that the book, published last month, will allow others to delve deeper into his identity.
In a sit-down conversation with Calvin, Barton spoke of the importance of writing the book as an attempt to convey who he is.
“It’s always difficult to explain that to people,” he says. “So, obviously there is an insight into that.
“You’ve tried to put across as best you could the version of events that have led to certain incidents in your life.
“Do I see the book as an extension of a PR campaign to win hearts and minds? Clearly not.”
In an extract from the autobiography, the 34-year-old discussed how his father shaped who he is today.
‘Without wanting to critique his parental skills, he was preparing me for the world he thought I’d face,’ he writes.
‘It was his world. It’s a world where you need a skill set that isn’t the same if you’re going to Eton and becoming an MP. At 24, I felt he’d let me down. But now, through more mature eyes, I can see he did the best he could.
‘And if I had been given a more well-rounded approach, I wouldn’t have ended up in the Premier League.
‘If you look at the socio-economic backgrounds of most footballers, they come from certain parts of town.
‘But I’m not going to bastardise the place I come from. It’s made me who I am. Good and bad. It’s given me some character flaws but it’s also made a great part of my character.’
We have three more videos to come, with Barton discussing Newcastle, his first night in prison and what Joey Barton does now, exclusively on Football365 this week.
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