It normally takes someone quite special to twist down the volume nob on the highly outspoken Joey Barton.
It comes as no surprise, then, that it was Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard who gave as good as he got after receiving criticism from the former Burnley man.
Steven Gerrard was one of the many footballers of the 'golden' generation of English talent, who, after getting knocked out by Germany in the 2006 World Cup, released a book to offer an insight in the team's camp.
Barton, who was then retired from international football, was very peeved at the timing of these book releases, so much so that he even renounced his retirement from the international game.
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"After reviewing England's performance at the WC, I have decided to renounce my international retirement," he said.
"Having seen the standard, I believe it's possible. Having played at the level before I feel I am a better player now than when I was capped.
"People might not know whether I'm being serious or not. Trust me, I am deadly serious. That's all I'll say on the matter for now.
"Now it's time to put up or shut up," stated an adamant Barton.
It's reported that the rant was directed in the direction of Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole (Cor, we had some talent back then, didn't we?), who had autobiographical books released not long after the tournament in Germany.
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But Gerrard, not being to simply accept unwarranted criticism, brilliantly responded to Barton's harsh words by leaving a copy of his 2007 book outside Barton's hotel room.
"I've signed it for him," Gerrard said. "You get a lot of time to yourself and I thought he might like to read it."
We're sure Barton appreciated the thought, Gerrard.
Words by Jacque Talbot
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Joey Barton, England, Steven Gerrard
