PREMIER LEAGUE stars are idolised in this country and many can’t walk down the street without being stopped for a quick selfie.
But one former Prem icon looks completely unrecognisable from his days of tearing it up in England’s top flight.
Once sporting flowing locks and a clean-shaven face, the former Premier League star is now looking completely different with his short trim and designer stubble.
The 52-year-old spent six years in the Premier League amassing 177 appearances for five different clubs.
He played for Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa, Bradford City, Derby County and Middlesbrough during his time in the Prem.
And his 35 Premier League goals and 10 assists earned him cult hero status amongst many fans, but he is now a world away from playing under the lights in northern England.
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The retired pro is now the assistant manager at UAE Pro League outfit Emirates Club after he signed on to the project in January – penning a contract with the club until June 2025.
And although the Middle Eastern side are relatively unknown to most football fans they have one iconic star in their squad.
The Italian is coaching World Cup winner Andres Iniesta, 39, who has been with Emirates Club since August of last year when he left Japanese team Viseel Kobe.
We can now reveal our mystery footballer is… BENITO CARBONE.
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Four-time Champions League winner Iniesta has made 12 appearances for the club since joining and has registered two goals and one assist in the process.
While Carbone has had experience coaching at the top level before joining the The Falcons, previously holding the title of assistant manager as both Serie B club Venezia and the Azerbaijan national team.
The former star has also revealed he would love to return to manage his former club Bradford City one day.
Speaking to Ladbrokes Fanzone, he said: “I’m desperate to manage in England, I’m happy to work in any division, and I love Bradford City.
“It’s a job I was interested in a couple of years ago and my social media was completely spammed with supporters backing me. In the end, they chose to go in a different direction.
“But if that job ever comes available, I’d jump at the chance to take it, because Bradford City have a very special place in my heart. It would be a dream job for me, of course it would.”
Carbone showed his love for the Bantams back in his playing days when he agreed to give millions of pounds to the club in order to help it stay afloat.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
