If Footballers were ... Emojis?!

Everyone loves football (at least 50% of the population that is). On top of that everyone, EVERYONE, uses emojis. I mean how can you not add the party icons to a birthday message? Or a laughy crying face to keep a conversation alive, (just). You get the idea. So what happens when you combine the two? If Footballers were Emojis of course!

Take a look at 10 footballers associated with various emojis for the most obvious/bizarre reasoning around! Got your own - comment them down below! The best ideas will be featured! Enjoy!


Raheem Sterling - Money mouth Emoji 

Sterling once insisted he was not a 'money grabbing 20 year old' when he turned down a £100 000 contract at Liverpool. It was just a couple of months later the English winger packed his bags in a move to Manchester City for a new wage of £180 000 a week - over 5 times his previous pay. Such a move left many a Liverpool fan with an angry red emoji plastered across their face!

Daniel Sturridge - Ambulance 

Fairly self explanatory - the Liverpool striker spends more time in the treatment room than on the pitch as a result he's picked up this ambulance emoji! Note: closely contested with Jack Wilshere! Can Sturridge become Liverpool's main man up top? 

Neymar Jr. - Heart face 


It's difficult to watch Barcelona's Brazilian without admiring his delicate trickery and undeniable confidence. Few players can replicate the youngsters flair and trickery which he offers on a weekly basis - in recognition and respect of his showboating we present Neymar with a Heart face emoji!

Andres Iniesta - Eyes 

What represents vision better than the eyes!? Few players have the ability to play the most intricate of passes like Iniesta. The way he can play exquisite though balls in the tightest of spaces is truly mesmerising!



Paul Pogba - Hair cut 

Does anyone in the Premier League sport a better trim than Manchester United's midfielder? No, not Fellaini! You know Pogba, the one who moved for a fair bit of cash, you must have heard of him? The 23 year old varies his cut from a mini afro to one with a leopard pattern on display. Along with his memorable celebration it's no wonder why Pogba is such a stand out player for the club.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Wine 


Like wine the big Swede seems to get better and better with age. It was just last season where Ibrahimovic marked 50 times in as many games for PSG (albeit in a weaker league) however he's shown no sign of slowing up with 4 goals in 4 games for Manchester United so far, including 2 huge headers and a thumping drive.


Yaya Toure - Birthday Cake 

The infamous incident in 2014 when the Ivorian midfielder threatened to leave City after he felt the club failed to celebrate his birthday to an apparent degree. Manchester City did in fact give the powerhouse a birthday cake however is agent suggested this wasn't enough adding that 'when it was Roberto Carlos's birthday Anzhi gave him a Bugatti'. The issue was later resolved however questions remain whether Yaya is happy with his new squad rotation role under Guardiola.

David Silva - Bow and Arrow 

A bow and arrow is a symbol of accuracy and precision, the same words are used to describe the Manchester City man's through balls. In fact Silva has as many as 58 assists in a City shirt and appears to be thriving under new boss Guardiola and the fast paced passing and roaming movement. Silva will need to maintain his impressive displays to keep the £37 million Sane out the team when he is fully fit.



Theo Walcott - Gas 


The likes of Hector Bellerin, Raheem Sterling and Sadio Mane all rival Walcott as the fastest man in the Premier League but the Arsenal man gets it for his instant acceleration. At times it seems the England forward runs off fuel given his insane sprint speed, if only the 27 year old excelled in other areas of the pitch such as final ball and finishing, especially given he has snuck into my Fantasy Team.

Marcus Rashford - New born Chick

At first this connection may seem peculiar however it's completely plausible in the view that the teenager has only just burst onto the Premier League and International stage and certainly has a long, long, long time to go! The forward has scored crucial goals against Manchester City,Aston Villa  Arsenal and most recently Hull as well as netting on his England debut and securing a £25 000 a week contract despite his remarkably young age. Watch the space!




Still wanting more? Check out other fun and games:

Guess the Footballer - Use picture clues to work out who!

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EPL Best Transfer XI! Worth £379 million!

Spending in the Premier League this season has reached an all time high - in fact over half the clubs in the Premier League has broken their record transfer. High profile names such as Ibramhimovic, Pogba and even Bundesliga player of the year Mkhitaryan have all debuted in the Premier League whilst the likes of Mane and Stones, previous Premier League regulars have simply switched clubs for astronomical fees. Out of the 100's of transfers we have nailed down the top XI, not for the best value for money but for the quality of player.

Goalkeeper:

Claudio Bravo: Barcelona to Manchester City for £15 million

The former Barcelona keeper has moved to Manchester to fill the boots (gloves) as Pep's sweeper keeper which has ultimately ousted England's Joe Hart out of the club. The 28 year old moved for £15 million, for most positions such a fee for an ageing player would ring alarm bells yet as a goalkeeper Bravo is sure to last longer than most and is not even yet to reach his peak! Then again at the end of the day is he really that much of an improvement on Joe Hart?

Value for money: 2/5

Notable others: Loris Karius,

Central Defenders:

Eric Bailly: Villareal to Manchester United for £30 million

Very few can criticise Manchester United's new rock at the back who has helped Jose Mourinho's side to clean sheets against Hull and Southampton so far this season. The former Villareal defender is one of the fastest centre backs in the Premier League and as a result has proven he can cope with the sizzling pace of Long of Southampton or Wilson of Bournemouth. However the Ivory Coast man is also blessed with strength in abundance and is happy to impose himself in whichever challenge comes his way.
Value for money: 4/5




John Stones: Everton to Manchester City for £47 million

Having watched Stones's performance against a mediocre West Ham team one can see what he offers to the Manchester City team not only defensively but also further forwards. As well as winning the majority of his aerial duels and also producing the cleanest of tackles Stones was more than content to step up into a CDM spot and spray the ball around, after all it was his 1-2 with David Silva which lead to City's opener vs West Ham. A hot prospect for club and country. Perhaps £47 million was too much however - as a result Everton have been spending like children in a sweet shop!

Value for money: 2/5

Shkodran Mustafi: Valencia to Arsenal for £35 million

Arsenal's desperate attempts to fill the void left in central defence by Mertesacker's injury is finally complete. The 24 year old German would slot in alongside Koscielny to try and secure the Arsenal back line which conceded 4 goals at home to a rampant Liverpool. A crucial signing.

Value for money: 3/5

Notable others: Joel Matip, Ashley Williams, David Luiz

Midfielders

Ngolo Kante: Leicester to Chelsea for £32 million

Leicester fans adored Kante. Football pundits applauded Kante. Football fans envied Leicester of Kante. And now Chelsea have their hands on the midfield machine. I guess you just Kante hate him? The Frenchman has continued his emphatic performances for Leicester and France at the Euros in a Chelsea shirt, repeatedly winning the ball back and distributing it with a certain calmness. Never flustered, Kante is one of the most admirable players in the league and is definitely worth the £32 million!

Value for money: 4/5

Granit Xhaka: Borussia M to Arsenal for £35 million

Xhaka was never going to capture all the headlines or score the goals, instead the Switzerland midfielder is sure to go about his role of controlling possession and grabbing an assist from time to time from the heart of the Arsenal midfield. Xhaka has not been granted much of an opportunity, a poor start off the bench vs Liverpool was soon followed by a masterclass display against Watford with an 86% pass accuracy bettered only by Carzola in the Arsenal midfield. However £35 million may be a figure too high for a somewhat limited player.
Value for money: 2/5


Paul Pogba: Juventus to Manchester United for £90 million

Strength: Check
Pace: Check
Composure: Check
Passing: Check
Aerial ability: Check
Silky skills; Check
An acceptable haircut: Debatable ...

Is there anything the Frenchman can't do? I can't imagine the 24 year old will flop at Manchester United and I can only see him spending the next 6-8 years commanding their midfield. When people question whether he is worth the money ask them if there's anyone better...

Value for money: 3/5

Sadio Mane: Southampton to Liverpool for £36 million

The former Southampton mane (pun intended) follows the likes of Clyne,Lovren and Lallana to Merseyside for a whopping £36 million which is certain to leave Southampton owners very happio and less Sadio at the former's departure. Mane provides sheer pace, fantastic movement as well as goals to Liverpool's attack, in fact Mane has acquired 36 goals and assists in just over 70 Southampton appearances. The start to his Liverpool career has been extremely promising with a sublime solo goal against Arsenal followed by a MOTM performance vs Tottenham nailing him down as a fan favourite!

Value for money: 2/5

Notable others: Georginio Wijnaldum, Victor Wanyama, Ilkay Gundogan, Moussa Sissoko

Wingers:

Leroy Sane: FC Schalke 04 to Manchester City for £37 million

The 20 year old is yet to feature for Pep's new look City side because of lack of match fitness however I can guarantee you that the German starlet is sure to impress. Sane scored 11 goals in less than 50 appearances for FC Schalke whilst playing on the wing, the German was then called up for the Euros to play under Low despite his young age. Sane will offer Manchester City flair out wide and the ability to beat a man - it won't be long before Sterling's place is under threat.



Value for money: 3/5

Mane vs Mkhitaryan who is better?

Henrik Mkitaryan: Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United for £27 million

The Armenian captain has not been given much of a chance so far with the likes of Mata, Rooney and Martial all starting ahead of him. Nevertheless the stats don't lie and the Bundesliga Player of the
Season still has loads of potential to offer at Manchester United especially after being in involved in nearly 50 goals for Borussia Dortmund last year. Give him a chance!

Value for money: 4/5

Notable others: Nolito,

Striker: 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: PSG to Manchester United for free (just forget the wages!)

How would your team look? Comment yours below!

The Swede needs little introduction, having won titles in Spain,Netherlands,Italy and France the 34 year old arrives in England in an attempt to win Manchester United the title under Jose Mourinhio. Despite his age Zlatan is far from finished, 50 goals in 51 appearances last season is his most prominent tally and Manchester United fans can expect to see the Swede playing up top with the likes of Mata, Martial and Mkhitaryan playing off him. 4 goals in 4 competitve games speaks volumes of Zlatan's undeniable composure in front of goal. Whilst some may view this move as a publicity stunt Zlatan is the ultimate target man and undoubtedly a complete striker who is not afraid to take audacious long shots, execute near impossible flicks and compete with anyone in the air. A perfect signing for such a big club.

Value for money: 3/5

Notable others: Michy Batshuayi, Christian Benteke, Lucas Perez

Who said that?! - Footballer Quotes

Think you know everythung about footballers? Think again! Can you work out who said each quote? Click on the name of your answer to find out if it's right! Best of luck!

Any Ideas?

1) 'I don't want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old'

A: Daniel Sturridge 
B: Raheem Sterling
C: Nathaniel Clyne
D: Alex Oxlade Chamberlain 

2) 'I can't help but laugh at how perfect I am' 

A: Cristiano Ronaldo
B: Zlatan Ibrahimovic 
C: David Luiz
D: Emmanuel Adebayor

3) 'Nobody expects a footballer to have any kind of IQ, which is a bit of an unfair stereotype'

A: Wayne Rooney
B: Frank Lampard

Hint: Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit

C: Steven Gerrard
D: Sol Campbell 

4) 'I knew there were problems with FIFA when I didn't make the Ballon D'or shortlist' 

A: Peter Crouch
B: Cesc Fabregas
C: Glen Johnson
D: Graziano Pelle

5) 'There's only one that's a little stronger than me, Messi. All the others are behind me. 

A: Zlatan Ibrahimovic 
B: Carlos Puyol
C: Mario Balotelli 
D: Neymar

Is Bournemouth Jack Wilshere's level?

6) 'Wilshere is good but nothing special. We have 100's of him in Spain. He is overhyped because he's English that's all' 

A: Roberto Martinez
B: Andres Iniesta 
C: Pep Guardiola 
D: Cesc Fabregas

7) 'Your love makes me strong. Your hate makes me unstoppable' 

A: Cristiano Ronaldo
B: Mario Balotelli
C: Luis Suarez
D: Neymar

8) 'I am constantly being asked about individuals. The only way to win is as a team. It is not about two or three star players' 

A: Claudio Ranieri
B: Chris Coleman
C: Zindine Zidane
D: Pele

Fair comments?

9) 'That's football. Sometimes you're the dog, sometimes you're the tree.'

A: Jamie Carragher
B: Jamie Vardy
C: Steven Gerrard
D: Rio Ferdinand

10) 'If you don't know the answer to that question I think you are an ostrich. Your head is in the sand.' 

A: Sam Allardyce
B: Alan Pardew
C: Gary Monk
D: Nigel Pearson

11) 'I am a strong guy. I still think I am the best coach in the Premier League' 

A: Louis Van Gaal
B: John Carver
C: Eddie Howe

Out with the old in with the new?

D: Jose Mourinho

12) 'Nandos isn't a Nandos without fanta and coke mixed #fantoke' 

A: Saido Berahino
B: Marcus Rashford
C: Dele Alli
D: Divock Origi





Still wanting more? Try out our Guess the footballer - Use the pictures to work out who!