Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterYou have to keep in mind just how exotic foreign players were in the Premier League in 1996, when most sides were made up of British and Irish players, maybe with the odd Scandinavian here or there.So it's not hard to see why Middlesbrough captured the imagination not just of their own fans, but neutrals too thanks to the signings of Italian superstar Fabrizio Ravanelli and Brazilians Juninho, Emerson and Branco.And Boro's Australian goalkeeper at the time, Mark Schwarzer, admits that created a bit of a culture shock for all concerned.Schwarzer told FourFourTwo: "I only played with Fabrizio Ravanelli for my first season there, but I never had any issues with him."He just had a level of demand and expectation of players, a level of professionalism that exceeded the norm in England at that time. You may like Eric Cantona, Frank Worthington, Faustino Apsrilla and the rest of the footballing mavericks who rocked the beautiful game There was interest from Italy, but Francis Lee was very determined. He flew to see me and convinced me that Manchester City was a place where I could be the main man Georgi Kinkladze on turning down the opportunity to sign for AC Milan The late Kevin Keegan exclusive, on the upsides and downsides of his spell in Germany "That caused problems with some of the squad. There was also a communication issue with language."But it was two different footballing worlds and British players were still adapting.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."You look at what Arsene Wenger brought into Arsenal around diet, well-being and professionalism that was still in its beginnings in England."Unfortunately, 'professionalism' was not particularly a watchword for Emerson, who went missing from the squad on multiple occasions as the club increasingly struggled against the threat of relegation.In Emerson's defence, his wife was reportedly to be desperately unhappy on Teesside - but after finally being sold to Atletico Madrid after another disappearing act following the club's relegation, the midfielder admitted the error of his ways.Schwarzer said: "I dont think anybody was surprised. Emo was a phenomenal player, but mad. You just couldnt control him."Even though he went AWOL, everyone still loved him. It was one of those where you should be irate, but you couldnt because he was such a good guy."You just wished that hed been there for the team more often."Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.With contributions fromTom Harvey
