John Hartson
John Hartson
Full Name and Common Aliases
John Robert Hartson is a former Welsh professional footballer and sports pundit. He is commonly known as "The Big Fella" due to his physical presence on the pitch.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: April 20, 1975 (age 48)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Welsh
Profession(s): Footballer, Sports Pundit
Early Life and Background
John Hartson was born in Swansea, Wales. He grew up in a working-class family and began playing football at an early age with local clubs. His talent caught the attention of scouts from several top-tier teams, and he eventually joined West Bromwich Albion's youth academy.
Hartson's early life was marked by both promise and hardship. As a young player, he suffered from asthma and other health issues that often forced him to miss training sessions. However, his determination and natural ability helped him overcome these challenges and rise through the ranks of English football.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, John Hartson earned numerous accolades and broke multiple records. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Scoring 227 goals in 467 appearances for various clubs
Representing Wales at international level (51 caps)
Winning the Premier League Golden Boot award twice (1997-98, 2000-01)
Helping Celtic win three Scottish Premiership titles and the Scottish Cup
Hartson's most successful stint was with Celtic FC, where he formed a deadly partnership with Henrik Larsson. Their attacking prowess helped propel the team to unprecedented success in Scotland.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Hartson has made significant contributions off the pitch. He:
Co-founded the John Hartson Foundation, which supports research into brain cancer and related illnesses
Has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his own struggles with depression
Currently works as a sports pundit for BBC Sport and other networks, providing insightful commentary on football matches
Hartson's post-football endeavors have demonstrated his commitment to using his platform for good.
Impact and Legacy
John Hartson's impact on the world of football extends far beyond his impressive statistics. His larger-than-life personality and unwavering passion for the sport have endeared him to fans worldwide.
As a player, he inspired countless young footballers with his dedication, resilience, and creative playmaking abilities. Off the pitch, Hartson has continued to make a positive impact through his charitable work and advocacy efforts.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Hartson is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
His unwavering optimism and gratitude in the face of adversity have inspired countless fans and aspiring footballers
His authenticity and willingness to share his personal struggles with mental health and brain cancer awareness have helped reduce stigma around these issues
His passion for football, which remains evident in his punditry work, continues to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of players
John Hartson's remarkable life story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and kindness. As a beloved figure in the world of football, he will undoubtedly continue to be quoted and remembered for years to come.
Quotes by John Hartson
I hope my body holds up, I still have another 18 months left on my contract at Celtic and I have had a decent start with eight goals already in 10 games so I will just keep going.
I know there will be times when the gaffer now plays different systems with and without me in the side,
I left West Ham because of a difficult time, I left Arsenal because I wasn't in the team and once or twice I have said I would leave Celtic because I haven't been playing. I have never been a player who is not part of things.
It's a sad day for me because I've always loved playing for my country and representing the Welsh people. I always feel enormous pride whenever I pull on a Wales shirt and will always cherish the memories. Now I've made this decision I'll be concentrating 100 per cent on doing the best I can for Celtic. Hopefully, this will allow me to really enjoy the final few years of my career.
There were one or two childish moments if you like, as I was growing up and maturing,
There will be a few tackles flying in, but you'd expect that in a top of the table clash. It will be a difficult game and one that we are looking forward to.
Now I have made this decision I will be concentrating my efforts 100% on doing the best I can for Celtic and hopefully this decision will allow me to really enjoy the final few years of my career.
