JOEY BARTON HAS revealed a death threat which he received when he played for French Ligue 1 side Marseille in 2012/13.
The 32-year-old — who returned to his English club Queens Park Rangers after a season-long loan — jokingly referred to the letter sent to the Marseille training ground as ‘fan mail’.
Barton, who moved to Marseille after he was banned for 12 matches for an incident in the final game of the 2011/12 season, posted a photograph of the typed letter sent from Paris on Twitter.
The letter read: “A little friendly advice: as soon as you finish your season in your current club, I advice you to leave France immediatly [sic].
“In fact, if you’re not left France before June 1st, I will come to you specially Marseille smash your head shots baseball bat.”
The sender describes how Barton’s body will be found, using foul language.
The alleged sender’s name and address is included on the letter, which is signed.
Barton later tweeted: “Not sure what’s more offensive, the grammar or the intent?”
Barton, who has regained his place in the QPR first team since his return, also posted a Google Maps image of the Paris address given on the letter, writing next to the picture of a block of flats: “By the way his gaff looks nice…”
