The latest low in Jermaine Pennant's weird football career comes in Singapore, where the player has been playing since January.
Pennant, who has turned out for a total of 13 clubs, has been playing for Tampines Rovers but the club have been forced to cut their players salaries due to financial difficulties.
The former Liverpool winger reportedly earns £23,495 month, a stark contrast to what he would have made when playing in the Premier League. Rovers are reducing the wages of their squad, including Pennant's, but he is said to be refusing a pay-cut and will no leave the club. He signed a one-year contract back in January.
Chairman Krishna Ramachandra says the ex Arsenal youngster has made a huge difference to the club, and although they can afford his wages, it would not be the right move to keep his wages the same when he would be on a considerably higher salary compared to the rest of his teammates.
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"He's a great player, but no player makes the team.He's had a huge impact on the club and Singapore football. Someone of his stature and, frankly, quite iconic status engenders an excitement and vibe which was much needed for Singapore football in the early stages of the season.
"While the club could afford his wages, it would also send the wrong message to all the other players that one player is getting a super-scale salary while the others have to take a pay cut.
"It would create a social injustice within the dressing room."
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Pennant is on his way out, and said that even Lionel Messi would not help the progression of football in Singapore.
Speaking to the Straits Times, he said:
"No matter who you get, you could bring Messi here, yes, you'd attract fans but without money, and the government and the league helping out like they do with other sports, or what they do in other countries, it's not going to grow."
(h/t BBC)
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