Michael Johnson during his playing days and (right) last night. Credit: Press Association and Twitter
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THE SHOCKING PICTURE of a portly Michael Johnson standing in a takeaway (above) which surfaced on Twitter last night has been swiftly followed by news this morning that the 24-year-old. who hasn't played since 2009, was released by Manchester City before Christmas.
After such a promising start to his career, a spate of injuries saw his progress hindered and in 2011 he joined Leceister City on a season-long loan which was terminated early. Reportedly showing a bad attitude to professional football, he was twice arrested for drink-driving last year which prompted the club to cut their losses and offer him a severance package.
It's an astonishing fall from grace for a player who made his senior debut at 18 and was tipped to establish himself as an England international.
Below, we look back at ten players who seemed destined for a career at the top - but never fulfilled their potential.
Where did it all go wrong? 10 young players who never lived up to the hype
Where did it all go wrong? 10 young players who never lived up to the hype
Michael Johnson during his playing days and (right) last night. Credit: Press Association and Twitter
THE SHOCKING PICTURE of a portly Michael Johnson standing in a takeaway (above) which surfaced on Twitter last night has been swiftly followed by news this morning that the 24-year-old. who hasn't played since 2009, was released by Manchester City before Christmas.
After such a promising start to his career, a spate of injuries saw his progress hindered and in 2011 he joined Leceister City on a season-long loan which was terminated early. Reportedly showing a bad attitude to professional football, he was twice arrested for drink-driving last year which prompted the club to cut their losses and offer him a severance package.
It's an astonishing fall from grace for a player who made his senior debut at 18 and was tipped to establish himself as an England international.
Below, we look back at ten players who seemed destined for a career at the top - but never fulfilled their potential.
Francis Jeffers
Nii Lamptey
Mark Kennedy
Graham Barrett
Freddy Adu
Neil Mellor
Liam Miller
Gianluigi Lentini
Jermaine Pennant
Kerlon
Can you think of any others?
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flops Francis Jeffers Freddy Adu Gianuigi Lentini Graham Barrett Kerlon Liam Miller Manchester City Mark Kennedy Michael Johnson Neil Mellor Nii Lamptey Potential