Joey Barton: The Biter, The Brains and The Banter

Joey Barton. Love him or loathe him, he's always in the headlines.

From his infamous 'bite' on Ousmane Dabo to his outspoken views on football and life, Barton has never been one to shy away from controversy.

But behind the tough-guy image, there's a more sensitive side to Joey Barton. He's a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, and he's spoken openly about his own struggles with depression.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Joey for a chat about his life and career. He was honest, funny, and thought-provoking. I came away with a newfound respect for the man.

Here are just a few of the things Joey had to say:

"I'm not a role model. I'm just a footballer who's trying to do his best."

"I'm not perfect. I've made mistakes. But I've learned from them and I'm a better person for it."

"Mental health is just as important as physical health. We need to talk about it more and we need to break down the stigma."

Joey Barton is a complex and fascinating character. He's not perfect, but he's honest, passionate, and always willing to speak his mind.

I for one am a fan. I think he's a breath of fresh air in a world of bland, corporate footballers.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.