Star names have drawn self-portraits in a one-off piece of memorabilia to be auctioned in aid of Nordoff Robbins.
Over 40 Barclays Premier League players and managers (and one owner) from all 20 Barclays Premier League clubs have put felt-tip pen to paper in an exclusive Premier League leather-bound book called The Art of Football.
Some of the English game's greatest on-the-pitch artists have proved their skills extend off the pitch too, with each entry a unique insight into the minds of Barclays Premier League stars
The book was put together by Premier League World, one of the Premier League's three weekly magazine shows that are broadcast to fans in 211 territories across the globe. They had the idea of asking interviewees to draw a picture of themselves and sign their portrait, before it was later examined by a graphologist.
Significant Amount
As The Art of Football filled with some of the biggest names in sport, the Premier League offered the book to Nordoff Robbins to auction at The Football Extravaganza on Monday 12th April, the world's longest running annual charity football event. Being such a rare piece of sports history it is hoped that the book will create a significant amount to add to the £4m raised by The Football Extravaganza over the last 15 years.
Among the star names in The Art of Football are Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Michael Owen, Didier Drogba, Carlo Ancelotti, Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Steven Gerrard, Rafa Benitez, Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Harry Redknapp.
Each year The Football Extravaganza features a 'Legend of Football' award, recognising the outstanding contribution an individual has made to the British game.
Greatist Artists
The 2010 recipient is one of the greatest artists to grace the Premier League stage, Eric Cantona. Eric will be presented with his award on Monday evening by his former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, also a previous recipient of the Award. It is planned for both Eric and Sir Alex to draw self-portraits in The Art of Football before the book is auctioned.
However, even those not at the dinner in central London will have the chance to bid for the book as an online auction site at http://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/ will be accepting bids. If the online bid is higher than any in the room on Monday 12th April then they could be the proud owner of a one of a kind.
Nordoff Robbins brings music's transforming power to children and adults in need, through the delivery of music therapy services, music and health projects and community music projects, as well as education programmes and research.
Incredibly Generous
Jo Carter, Director of Fundraising at Nordoff Robbins, said: "Nordoff Robbins would like to thank the Premier League for their incredibly generous support.
"By donating this book of portraits, the Premier League has given the many extremely vulnerable people we work with, the most amazing life changing gift, as every penny raised through the sale of this truly unique auction item, will ensure that we can continue to literally transform lives through music.
"All proceeds raised will go towards funding the vital work of Nordoff Robbins, who deliver over 45,000 sessions every year. Everyone responds to music. It has a unique power which Nordoff Robbins harnesses with all its emotion, energy, resonance and rhythm to reach children and adults whose lives are constrained by illness, disability, trauma or exclusion."
To view more player and manager self-portraits, click here
