Joey Barton's move across the channel from Queens Park Rangers to Marseille drew the odd 'an idiot abroad' joke however the Scouser, who has veered into pretentious realms since he signed up to Twitter, may have excelled himself with something more 'Allo 'Allo as he channels the spirit of Steve McClaren with a ridiculous French accent.
Barton made his league debut for Marseille at the weekend
McClaren, you may remember, made a fool of himself when, in one of his first interviews as Dutch club Twente's manager, he sounded like Goldmember.
Barton, accompanied by a wispy moustache, looks every bit the Frenchman in his new surroundings... until he starts speaking. Watch the video for yourself. You expect him to say "Good moaning" and philosophise about seagulls and trawlers.
The 30-year-old did at least have the nerve to acknowledge the lunacy of his effort...
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Joey Barton of QPR is restrained by QPR First Team Coach Eddie Niedzwiecki (L) and QPR Goalkeeping Coach Kevin Hitchcock (R) after being shown the red card by Referee Mike Dean during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Joey Barton of QPR is restrained by QPR Goalkeeping Coach Kevin Hitchcock (L) and QPR First Team Coach Eddie Niedzwiecki (R) after being shown the red card by Referee Mike Dean during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Joey Barton of QPR is shown the red card by Referee Mike Dean during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Joey Barton of QPR clashes with Sergio Aguero of Manchester City after being shown the red card by Referee Mike Dean during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Joey Barton of QPR clashes with Sergio Aguero of Manchester City after being shown the red card by Referee Mike Dean during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Joey Barton of QPR causes a fracas after being shown the red card by Referee Mike Dean during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Soccer - FA Barclays Premiership - Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers - The City of Manchester Stadium
Manchester City's Joey Barton walks off after being given a red card for violent conduct.
Soccer - FA Barclays Premiership - Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers - The City of Manchester Stadium
Manchester City's Joey Barton (left) is given a red card for violent conduct.
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v Newcastle United - Anfield
Referee Phil Dowd (right) instructs Newcastle United's Joey Barton off the pitch, after showing him the red card for his challenge on Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v Newcastle United - Anfield
Referee Phil Dowd (left) directs Newcastle United's Joey Barton (right) off the pitch after showing him the red card.
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Queens Park Rangers v Norwich City - Loftus Road
Queens Park Rangers' Joey Barton and Norwich City's Bradley Johnson get involved earning Joey Barton a red card
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Queens Park Rangers v Norwich City - Loftus Road
Queens Park Rangers' Joey Barton and Norwich City's Bradley Johnson get involved earning Joey Barton a red card
Soccer - FA Barclays Premiership - Liverpool v Manchester City - Anfield
Referee Dermot Gallagher shows Manchester City's Joey Barton the red card
Liverpool v Manchester City
LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 26: Joey Barton of Manchester City jumps in with a two footed tackle on Sami Hyypia of Liverpool which lead to his red card, during the Barclays Premiership match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 26, 2006 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Barton receives his marching orders for the first time at Tottenham in February 2004 in the FA Cup
City were 3-0 down at the time of his dismissal but sensationally rallied to win the fourth-round tie 4-3
Joey Barton's move across the channel from Queens Park Rangers to Marseille drew the odd 'an idiot abroad' joke however the Scouser, who has veered into pretentious realms since he signed up to Twitte...
Joey Barton's move across the channel from Queens Park Rangers to Marseille drew the odd 'an idiot abroad' joke however the Scouser, who has veered into pretentious realms since he signed up to Twitte...
Joey Barton finally made his debut for Marseille but was substituted with the French side 2-0 down against Fenerbahçe in their opening Europa League fixture......
Both of these videos are funny but I can sympathize. I'm a Canadian living in London and I've been told I sometimes speak English like an Englishman (especially when in shops for some reason) without even realizing it. This is a psychological phenomenon called speech accommodation that's actually quite common.
Meta7: Both of these videos are funny but I can sympathize.
Barton is a complete clot. he most probably thinks that if he speaks with French accent the French will understand him. But I doubt whether anyone understands him.
Vapula: Barton is a complete clot. he most probably thinks that
Act like a typical dumb footie player and they'll sneer. Pick up a bit of Nietzsche and they'll say you're a try-hard. Have the good grace to laugh at yourself for doing a silly accent and they'll ignore your good-humour.
What can you do? I think he deserves a break from the negativity!
AlanDente: You can't win with some people. Act like a typical
I thought it was the funnys thing I have seen from a footballer for a while! Take it in the manner it was meant,the French will not get it but I did! Bet they will be pi***ed off when its translated saying the French league is "Boring" LOL! I am not the greatest fan of J.B. but he will lift a team and he can pass a ball.He can also make a presence in midfield which as a United fan we are sadly lacking! Maybe we will see a bit of steel in this area now Fletcher is back. Peter Sellers Pink Panther performance is not in danger,but Joey very close!
daltonboy: I thought it was the funnys thing I have seen
I will. The guy showed himself to be a prize c*ck on the field, and it's good to see he continues to do so when trying to win over the French media. They will soon see through him when he starts kicking off.
Joey - tu nous fais chier, espece de connard.
Dogsknob: I will. The guy showed himself to be a prize
@Joey7Barton
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The Huffington Post UK | Posted: 26/11/2012 16:16 GMT Updated: 26/11/2012 16:50 GMT