Tottenham cult hero Benoit Assou-Ekotto claims he was rejected by the Italian club for transfer because of his HAIR

BENOIT ASSOU-EKOTTO has claimed that an Italian club once refused to sign him because of his HAIR.

The Tottenham hero sported a range of remarkable hairstyles during his time as a professional.

And the now-retired right-back has revealed his barnet once prevented him from moving to Serie A.

He told Athletic: “I spoke with an Italian club, a stupid Italian club – they said, ‘We love you but it’s hard for us to explain to the fans that we’re signing a player with your hair. “.

“Even that. I would like to see what would happen in my career without being extravagant with my hair.

Assou-Ekotto made over 200 appearances during his seven-season stint at Spurs.

He left north London on loan at Queens Park Rangers in 2013 before heading to France on a permanent deal with Saint-Etienne.

The 37-year-old was outspoken as a player, once revealing that he sees football as ‘just a job’ and plays for the money rather than a genuine love of the game.

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He has previously called out players who say one thing in public and another behind closed doors, saying he is at least “always honest”.

And he revealed his outspokenness may have held him back in his career.

He added: “Maybe some clubs don’t want to buy a player who plays for the money.

“Even if everyone (the others) is there for the money, even if the owner of the club wants to make the money. Maybe in 50 to 100 years people will understand.

“It’s not a regret but I would like to see if I would have had the same career without being honest.”

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