16 Facts About Darius Vassell

Under Eriksson with England, Darius Vassell scored six goals from 22 international caps awarded between 2002 and 2004, including appearances at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, and UEFA Euro 2004 in Portugal.

Darius Vassell was raised in the Gravelly Hill area of Birmingham and went to the Yenton Primary School in Erdington and John Willmott School, in Falcon Lodge, Sutton Coldfield.

Darius Vassell first played football with local junior team Romulus in the Birmingham Boys League scoring a record of 46 in a season and 6 in 1 match.

An Aston Villa fan, Darius Vassell was taken on by the club's School of Excellence.

Darius Vassell played part of the season with a hernia problem, which required surgery in the close season.

Darius Vassell scored his 50th Premier League goal on 10 February 2008, in the victory against local rivals Manchester United.

In July 2009 Darius Vassell signed for the Turkish side Ankaragucu.

Darius Vassell scored his first goal in the Turkish Super Lig against Manisaspor in the second week of the season.

Darius Vassell remained without a club until his retirement on 28 January 2016, at the age of 35.

Darius Vassell scored in the game with a 60th-minute bicycle kick to equalise.

Darius Vassell was included in England's 2002 World Cup campaign.

Darius Vassell played in three games, starting just one: against Sweden in England's opening group game.

Darius Vassell missed in the penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 against hosts Portugal.

Darius Vassell was born to Jamaican parents and is a practising Christian.

Darius Vassell is married to Amani Rodriquez-Thomas, they have a daughter named Persia; Vassell's 2017 autobiography Road to Persia was titled for her.

Darius Vassell is a cousin of Kilmarnock FC forward Kyle Vassell and former Cardiff City FC forward Isaac Vassell.