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A former Liverpool midfielder who won 79 caps for England, John Barnes is today a football pundit on television. Barnes, who will feature in Showtime's Premiership programming this season, talks to Nitin Nair about football and salsa dancing.
On Game 39
I think the English Premier League should be played in England. It may be a good idea to make a million bucks but I don't think its right. Let's not forget that it is football that's popular in Asia and not necessarily the Premiership. It does nothing to promote the local leagues in the countries that host the proposed games.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore mooted the controversial idea of staging league matches in Asia, Australia and the US in a bid to cash in on the league's popularity.
In good company
My life as a television presenter these days keeps me busy, but this year on I have an interesting assignment ahead of me. Prince William, David Beckham and I have been chosen as the ambassadors for England's 2018 World Cup bid. It is an honour and I am really looking forward to it.
Royalties for singing
In 1998, I received a call from the record company saying that I was going to get royalty for the 'John Barnes rap' at the end of New Order's World in Motion track produced for the England's 1990 World Cup campaign. Eight years on when I heard about the royalty, I said to myself, 'Good, maybe I can buy a Ferrari with the money'. I got a cheque some time later, for £600! I should have known - I only got £200 for the recording.
Strictly Footloose
I really enjoyed my time on the television series Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 with my dancing partner Nicole Cutler. Funnily enough, most kids know me from the television show and not the fact that I won 79 caps for England. I liked the training for the show, I liked from the fact that the dancing was a systematic process and there was a method to it. The only dancing I remember from my playing days was the one at 2am after the pub closed.
Deco's the one
Chelsea are a quality side but Deco could bring in that much-need finesse to the Chelsea midfield. I think he's a really interesting signing. Also Robbie Keane for Liverpool - Keane adds some depth to the Liverpool forwardline.
Name: John Barnes
Age: 44
Nationality: English
Claim to fame: Former England/ Liverpool footballer
Lives in: London, England
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