Former Premier League defender Micah Richards has given a definitive verdict on whether he would follow former Leeds United and Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink onto Strictly.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink began his Premier League career with Leeds United in 1997 under George Graham, establishing himself as a firm favourite at the club.
Former Holland international Hasselbaink scored some memorable goals during his Leeds career, before his time at the club ended in acrimonious circumstances.
Hasselbaink is now a regular on Leeds fans’ screens once again, appearing on the BBC’s prime-time light entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing.
Now, Leeds-born former Manchester City and Aston Villa defender turned pundit Micah Richards has left no room for doubt when asked if he would be tempted to follow in Hasselbaink’s footsteps.
Micah Richards responds to Strictly Come Dancing question
Richards has developed a reputation as a well-liked pundit, combining excellent analysis with a good sense of humour.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast alongside England legends Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker, Richards was asked if he had seen Hasselbaink on the dancing competition.
Richards replied: “I didn’t see the first week because everyone was raving about Karen Carney, but I was working. So I watched the second week. It didn’t really happen for Karen in the second week.
“But Jimmy came on, just doing the salsa. I was just like… He used to be an angry, terrifying footballer who smashed them all. Now he’s, he’s, he’s sambaing on the BBC. I’ve tried to take him seriously, but I just can’t. I just can’t. He’s a great lad.”
However, fans of the man known as Big Meeks will be disappointed that he will not be joining Hasselbaink on the dancefloor any time soon, as he shut down any suggestions that he would be tempted by the show.
He continued: “I would never go on Strictly. I love it. Strictly. I love you. You know, I do. I love you so much. But I don’t have the moves that they’re doing.”
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Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink remains a member of an illustrious Premier League club
The theme of the Rest is Football episode was not exclusively to discuss Hasselbaink’s dancing feet, although his powerful thighs did get a mention.
The former Leeds man’s name came up because he remains a member of an exclusive Premier League club, as one of the 10 leading scorers of goals from outside the box.
Most Premier League goals from outside the box:
- Frank Lampard – 41 goals
- David Beckham – 34 goals
- Steven Gerrard – 33 goals
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – 33 goals
- Alan Shearer – 33 goals
Hasselbaink remains fourth on the list, nestled between former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and Richards’ podcast co-host, Shearer.
Leeds’ long-term nemesis Frank Lampard tops the list, with an incredible 41 goals from outside the area, according to PremierLeagueNow.
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