$10m man ... Dario Conca's wage dwarfs the Mariners. Source: Fang Yingzhong/ColorChinaPhoto / AAP
Earlier this year, Nick Montgomery wired home to England for cash.
It was back in March, when the Central Coast midfielder, a father of twin girls, was told for the second time in as many months there was no money at the club to pay him.
"So to now be marking up against a footballer worth more than $10 million a year," he laughs, "yeah, you could say there's been a few jokes at training about it."
Guiyang Olympic Centre Stadium | |
Bluetongue Stadium | |
Suwon World Cup Stadium | |
Hitachi Kashiwa Stadium | |
Guiyang Olympic Centre Stadium | |
| All times are listed in EST | |
Central Coast vs Guangzhou Bluetongue Stadium | |
| All times are listed in EST | |
Signed to the type of contract that boasts a Hyundai as its bonus, Montgomery will tomorrow night mark Argentinian millionaire Dario Conca when the Mariners host Chinese powerhouse Guangzhou Evergrande in Gosford.
Having broken all contract records when he signed on in the Asian Champions League, Conca is said to be the eighth highest paid footballer on the planet.
To put this in perspective, the Chinese megastar earns more than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Earns more in two months than the entire Mariners roster does in a year.
Poor Montgomery will need to play another 50 years with the Mariners before earning what Conca does by Christmas.
But you want to know the best thing?
"I'd never heard of him," the affable Coastie concedes. "I mean absolutely no disrespect but obviously the Chinese league isn't exactly the most popular competition out there ... although you'd have to think anyone on that sort of salary can play."
Not that Montgomery is any stranger to marking millionaires, either.
During a staggering 12 seasons with Sheffield United, the talented Englishman earned 24 FA Cup appearances and was also an integral part of the United midfield during their year in the English Premier League.
"Coming up against guys like Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, guys who have enjoyed sustained Premier League careers was a real highlight," he said. "And it was like that every week.
"There is such an incredible atmosphere around the EPL. Every single week there is so much hype, such a buzz when you're running out on to these packed stadiums knowing the eyes of the world are on you."
When playing with United, Montgomery concedes he could not leave his house without being recognised. So how does the midfielder go these days at his local shopping mall, Erina Fair?
"Oh, an entire group of us can walk through there without being noticed," he laughs. "The other day, I actually walked past a fella decked out in a Mariners jersey who didn't even take a second glance at me. But I actually don't mind that, you know."
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét