As spectacular as Bruce Grobbelaar at his best, he's also prone to the same sort of gaffes as the eccentric ex-Liverpool man, although the French will forgive him almost anything after his sterling performances in the last World Cup.

Despite many offers from bigger clubs, he stayed loyal to Monaco for a long time - and if rumours are to be believed, his decision to stay put was influenced by the biggest pay-cheque of any professional player in France.

But the temptation to join Europe's elite finally proved too great and after the finals he will jet off to Old Trafford following a £7.8m move to Manchester United.

A European Cup winner with Marseille in 1993, Barthez made his international debut in 1994 but missed out on a first-team place at Euro 96 after testing positive for cannabis earlier that year.

While Bernard Lama took his place, the favour was returned a few months later and while Lama sat out his suspension, Barthez made the number one spot his own.