The strange ones

There are lots of strange personalities among the players and the coaches at the Euro 2016. And their fates are increasingly exciting for the audience, which is bored by the goalless games so far.

To begin with, the Icelanders – 9% of their 323 K. population are now in France with the team. Their goalkeeper and hero from the first two matches Hannes Halldorsson works as a director, who has shot the best commercials in Iceland over the last 3 years. The coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is a well-known dentist in his small homeland. But, obviously he also knows how to stop Cristiano Ronaldo!

The Welsh goalkeeper Owain Williams doesn’t only paint, but his paintings cost money. His works coincidentally went on exhibition right on the opening day of UEFA Euro 2016. Of course, not all players are lofty types. For example, the Northern Irish Josh Magennis had been moving between heaven and hell, as well as from the living room into the kitchen at home. 9 years ago, he was a promising goalkeeper in the amateur league. He caught the eyes of many clubs, one of which was Cardiff City. After signing a good contract, the talent suddenly began to drink and refused to live a normal life. And one day, just as suddenly decided to return, but he changed his position on the pitch, becoming a striker. He plays now alongside with his teammate Conor Washington, who used to be a postman.

The Polish player Kamil Grosicki admits that he was a heavy drinker and a problem gambler. He often got drunk and was late for training, despite he lived on the territory of the stadium… But, what are you going to say about his performance now?

Wesley Hoolahan (Rep. of Ireland) was also against the regime. He just loved eating hamburgers. During his early years, he played with talent and overweight. But, once he has given his word to his beloved wife and has changed his lifestyle… And look at him now – he scored a goal in the Euro 2016.

Another interesting story is Gaziano Pelle’s life. The Italian striker decided to retire from professional football 5 years ago, becoming a woodworker. However, his friends stopped him and see what happened. He is now key Italian player at the European championship.

Turkey’s new talent – Emre Mor, who is now 18 years old, has grown up in deprivation in the immigrant community in Denmark. Now, he has already signed a contract with Borussia Dortmund and is playing for his country at the Euro 2016.

And finally, Ashley “The Iron Man” Williams of Swansea City and Wales is our last hero of the day. He was expelled from two football academies, which called him completely incompetent. However, he started a normal life and worked as a waiter and a handyman at a gas station. But at his new working place, he was even more unreliable. “I was the worst waiter in the world,” Williams said. The defender didn’t stop playing football, and look at him now – he is a legend of Swansea City and a captain of his country at the European championship!