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The Serge Aurier controversy has once again showcased the dangers and responsibilities of using social media for a professional footballer. However, some footballers have taken using social media to a whole new level.These footballers have used the popular social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram so much that some of these men spend more time voicing their opinions on social media platforms rather than performing on the pitch.We take a look at five footballers who are more active on social media than on the field
#5 Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli is an enigma which none of the managers have been able to solve. Supremely talented but extremely frustrating, the Italian forward has flattered to deceive on many occasions. Having had relatively successful spells at Inter Milan, Manchester City and AC Milan, Super Mario was considered to be the next big thing in football.
However, the Italian forward has made more headlines for his antics off the pitch than on it. Be it the setting off fireworks at his house, or having an altercation with his own manager, Balotelli has truly done some things which are difficult to explain.
Though such incidents have reduced over the past year, he still remains extremely active on twitter and Instagram.
His performances on the pitch, however, has dipped considerably ever since he joined Liverpool. Currently on loan to Milan, the enigmatic forward has struggled for form and fitness and found playing time hard to come by.
Fans will be hoping that Super Mario soon rediscovers his form and becomes more active on the pitch than on social media.
#4 Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor has played for some top clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Tottenham. However, he has always been a slightly controversial figure with questions about his commitment and effort being raised time and time again.
Adebayor now plays for Crystal Palace and the talented forward has scored goals whenever he has put his mind to it. However, in his last few months at Tottenham, he was frozen out and finally found himself out of contract for six months which gave him plenty of time to use Facebook and twitter.
Adebayor has commented on a wide range of topics ranging from the latest technology to a story about his family.
Adebayor recently signed for Crystal Palace and Alan Pardew will be hoping to get the best out of his talented but mercurial striker.
#3 Joey Barton
Joey Barton has had a long career in English football and many believe that he did not live up to his potential. Known for being extremely hot-headed and short-tempered, Barton has never been far from controversy. The midfielder has played for many reputed clubs in England with his time at Manchester City and Newcastle United being fondly remembered by his fans.
However, since he left Newcastle United, Barton has earned himself quite a name on social media with his antics on twitter overshadowing his performances on the pitch. Commenting on everything from Manny Pacquiao to Leeds United, the Liverpool-born midfielder has become quite popular.
Barton who is currently nearing the end of his long career will be hoping that he will make more of a contribution on the pitch for promotion-chasing side Burnley FC.
#2 Emmanuel Frimpong
Emmanuel Frimpong is extremely active on social media so much so that he has almost 7000 tweets more than his appearances on the pitch. The Ghanian is currently playing for Russian club FC Ufa and is now more popular for his activity in social media than his performances on the pitch.
Extremely active when Arsenal play their matches, Frimpong keeps entertaining his followers with regular tweets on everything possible. However, some fans might question his authority to comment on players of the calibre of Toni Kroos. Here are some of his tweets:
The Ghanian midfielder is certainly very active on twitter and he has provided much more entertainment on twitter than on the football pitch.
#1 Jose Enrique
Jose Enrique has become more famous for his tweets than his performances on the pitch. The Spanish left-back has barely kicked a ball in three seasons, however, he remains extremely active on social media posting updates about everything from a daily training session to welcoming a cat to his family.
The Spaniard does not restrict himself only to tweets and also posts pictures on Instagram pretty regularly as well often being very philosophical in his advice to his followers
The left-back is extremely popular among his followers though often retweeting whenever they ask making him very popular with a certain group of Liverpool fans. However, the majority of Liverpool fans would like it if he spent more time playing than posting updates.
