Back in 1999, during the relative 'glory days' for Sunderland, they smashed their record transfer fee and landed Stefan Schwarz from Valencia. He also became the first Premier League footballer to be banned from travelling to outer space. True story. The then 30-year-old midfielder cost the club £4 million, and made 62 appearances in Red and White, but had a bizarre clause inserted into his contract that would not allow him to travel into space on one of the first commercial flights in 2002. Cheif Executive at the time, John Fickling said: "At the end of the day we are protecting the club, really. It was a little bit of a light-hearted moment during protracted negotiations. But one day it could be quite acceptable to put such clauses in various contracts." Maybe in a few (hundred) years, John. Thankfully the Swedish International stayed grounded and brought a wealth of experience, after spells with Benfica, Arsenal and Fiorentina. He was an unsung hero of the team that finished 7th in the league, twice in a row.
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
