When it comes to debates over the greatest defender of the Premier League era, Philippe Senderos will never be mentioned - but the Swiss star was solid enough during his time in England.Best remembered for his seven-year stint with Arsenal, the former Switzerland international also played for Everton (loan), Fulham and Aston Villa.However, arguably his greatest moment in English football happened off the pitch, rather than on it.Senderos was interviewed by ESPN back in 2011 and produced an iconic slip of the tongue while discussing Joey Barton.The centre-back was asked for his thoughts after Arsenal’s Gervinho was sent off for slapping Newcastle United’s Barton.Barton later said that he “was not proud” of his reaction during the altercation.
Senderos had everyone in the ESPN studio in stitches when he said: “You know what to expect with Joey Barton. He’s going to come strong in the tackle and he’s gonna come in your face, you have to be ready before the match…”By this point, Senderos was interrupted by the ESPN presenter, who started laughing before saying: “I’m not sure he’d go that far, though!”Everyone in the studio then fell around in hysterics. Watch the hilarious clip here…
Childish? Yes. Funny? Without question.
ESPN’s Kelly Cates attempted to get the interview back on track but it was too late.
Asked what Barton is like to play against, an embarrassed Senderos couldn’t even answer before the topic was swiftly moved on.
Bolton midfielder Stu Holden took to Twitter to ask if the rumours were true.
Barton tweeted: “haha, I can honestly say I have been dirty in the past but never that dirty…”
Senderos and Barton became teammates for a brief period at Rangers several years later and surely - surely! - the rest of the dressing room brought this interview up on more than one occasion.
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