Premier League cult hero looks unrecognisable with stylish grey beard and his trademark flowing locks chopped off
A PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero looks unrecognisable after transforming his hair and beard.
The 51-year-old played in the Prem between 1996-2002 after arriving from Italy.
The Premier League cult hero looks transformed with his slick hair and smart beard
The ex-striker played for five Prem teams
He spent six years in the Prem before leaving in 2002Alamy
And he quickly won over fans of all clubs with his goals, many of which were wonder strikes.
His once flowing locks helped to add to his image as a unique and gifted forward – but gone are those days.
However he is still remembered fondly by Sheffield Wednesday fans after arriving at the club for around £3million from Inter Milan.
He later joined Aston Villa before moving onto Bradford – where he reportedly ended up agreeing to cancel his £40,000 a week contract as it threatened to bankrupt the club.
The striker also had loan spells at Derby and Middlesbrough in the early noughties before returning to his native Italy.
The man in question is Benito Carbone, who scored 35 goals in 177 Premier League games.
His career lasted 20 years and he is remembered fondly by Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford fans for his role in keeping them in the top flight.
Carbone now looks completely different after styling is hair into a smart quiff.
Benito Carbone is fondly remembered by Bradford fansPA:Empics Sport
The Italian first joined Sheffield Wednesday in 1996PA:Press Association
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He also has a trimmed grey beard which shows how much he has aged since his pro footballer days.
Carbone was reportedly interested in returning to English football last season when Bradford were searching for a new manager, but they instead decided to appoint Mark Hughes.
He has had various coaching roles since retiring and is now assistant manager of the Azerbaijan national team.
