The art of football

Premier League stars put themselves in the picture for charity by penning self-portraits.

Footballers get creative for charity

The Premier League's finest have taken time out to prove they are equally creative with a pen in their hand, as a football at their feet in a series of self-portraits. In a one-off piece of football memorabilia that is to be auctioned in aid of Nordoff Robbins music charity, 40 players and managers from all 20 top-flight clubs have put felt-tip pen to paper in an exclusive leather-bound book called The Art of Football. Amongst the star names are England captain Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba, with each entry said to be a unique insight into the minds of the players having later been examined by a graphologist. The Premier League has offered the book to Nordoff Robbins, which delivers music therapy services, to auction at The Football Extravaganza on Monday 12 April, and it is hoped it will fetch a significant amount of money to add to the £4m raised over the last 15 years at the event. Fittingly one of the games greatest artists, Eric Cantona, will also be honoured on the same night. The former Manchester United striker will pick up an award for the outstanding contribution he made to the British game. Those not at the dinner in central London will also have the chance to bid for the book as an online auction site at www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk will be accepting bids. Professional graphologist Emma Bache, who was asked to interpret the drawings by the Premier League commented that Rooney's drawing was Picasso-esque, while adding that Ferdinand's signature was that of someone with business acumen. Other football personalities featured include, Michael Owen, Carlo Ancelotti, Robin van Persie, Carlos Tevez, Harry Redknapp, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott.

Graphologists' interpretations:

Rio Ferdinand "It is interesting that he has not written a full signature but more his first name. The similarity between the 5 and $ sign suggests an interest in money and knowledge of business. A gentle curve to the right on his signature indicates fluidity of thought and of reason. However, the two defined lines underneath it suggest a determination and will-power." Carlo Ancelotti "There's great fluidity but it's been written quite slowly, which you can see because there's a large gap between the capital A and the rest of his name. The slowness would suggest he likes to be methodical in everything; he doesn't like to be rushed or forced into a situation that isn't of his own making. This is a very reflective person." Rafa Benitez "What is of note here is more what Rafa hasn't put in than what he has; a lack of picture suggests individuality. He has pressed quite hard on the paper which implies sensuality in all things in life. There is also a sense of humour in the right slant, although it is balanced which shows that he has found a good equilibrium in life. The strong Z on his signature suggests self-confidence." Steven Gerrard "This is quite a big figure with a disproportionately long neck, it's almost as if he wants to peer over a wall, he wants to see what's going on all the time and he's very much an observer and a larger than life character. His signature is large too, upward slanting which suggests optimism when he did this. There's also a lot of shading strokes, where he was pressing harder with the pen, and lighter strokes, which shows creativity to this character; he's artistic and interested in the visual." Ryan Giggs "The signature has an accentuated right slant that goes all the way to the corner of the page, which suggests someone who wants to get on with things and is not interested in the past, they merely want to get on with the future. The drawing looks as if he's got one leg longer than the other, but it mirrors his signature, so even in his drawing he can't stand still, he's moving forward and is optimistic. As for the stubble, it impresses upon others how masculine he is." Wayne Rooney "His art might not be something he's well known for but the way that he's done his face is Picasso-esque. Looking at his picture, it has a very large head and prominent eyes and mouth. Interestingly he has used a blue pen for his eyes and a red pen for his mouth, the latter suggesting a sensuality. He looks directly at the reader which says he's got nothing to hide, there's honesty here. His head is large, it fills the page and it dominates his signature, which is smaller, but also determined. It is angular and has strong lines, so this is someone who is critical of himself but also of others too. He's a forward-thinker, an analyser who wants to know what's what in everything. He doesn't take things lightly so tries his very best to work things out." Theo Walcott "There is a lot of speed in this drawing. He's actually drawn himself to the right, his feet are pointing that way and you can see his profile, there's even speed lines to emphasise his movement. It's rarer to draw yourself in profile, which shows he's taken time to show what he wants us to see and, even though he's in a hurry, he wants you to notice he's put in the effort. His signature also has speed indicators - there are lines which sandwich his name, which shows he's on the road to success. This is someone who knows where he is going and is determined to get to the top of his profession." Didier Drogba "He has filled the entire page with his signature and drawing, and has written his name twice; this is someone who wants to make an impression on other people. He is a big extrovert, a larger than life character. However the signature has a tall upper zone which means someone who is very proud and wants to be understood. His large drawing is both comical and sensual in the way he's using the pen to full out the hair and mouth. He's even drawn a dimple on his chin; this is a detailed drawing that is honest, open and smiling out to the world. This is someone who feels as if he's nothing to hide." Cesc Fabregas "This drawing is interesting because it features the ball with a line straight to the goal and an X in it where he wants the ball to be, so he is reiterating he knows exactly what he wants out of life and he's determined to get it. This is also born out in his signature, which is very vertical and upright; he is not easily influenced by others. His printed name is also strong; he wants to be seen to do the right thing." Harry Redknapp "Looking at the signature the small lettering suggests that he doesn't have a very large ego. The P's of Redknapp are leaning so far right they're almost falling over, which suggests he's almost falling over to make an impression. However, the drawing is done in profile to the left; this is interesting because this usually indicates looking into the past and the right-hand side to the future. The definite upward ticks on the bottom of his neck shows that he doesn't suffer fools gladly, which for a manager is probably a good thing." Robin van Persie "Robin's picture is a caricature and what is most striking is the very large eyes, so he's an observer and a genuine person. There's a broad grin there which suggests he's honest, open and has nothing to hide. The sparse hair shows speed, but also a sense of humour and a large character. The signature, written at angle, has a rigidity that suggests his feelings and thoughts aren't swayed by others but also that he has very strong values. The writing goes small after the capital letters which shows he doesn't have a very big ego." David James "His picture has a question mark over his head which could indicate he's a thinker and an intellectual. He's drawn lots of curly hair and very strong angles to his face, giving the perception of someone who is determined. The way he's written his name is strong, so he's not concerned all the time; he's someone who can be a straight talker."