30 Facts About Steve Finnan

Stephen John Finnan was born on 24 April 1976 and is an Irish former international footballer who played as a right-back.

Steve Finnan is the only player to have played in the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, Intertoto Cup, all four levels of the English league football and the Football Conference.

Steve Finnan was known for his attacking role and ability to cross the ball.

Steve Finnan played 52 internationals for the Republic of Ireland from his debut in 2000, scoring twice.

Steve Finnan played for them at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Steve Finnan was born in the Janesboro area of Limerick, and moved to Chelmsford, England, at a young age.

Steve Finnan began his career playing in Wimbledon's youth system, but he joined non-League club Welling United in 1993 after being released at the age of 16.

Steve Finnan appeared in all of Notts' games for the remainder of the season, helping the team finish fourth in the Second Division and qualify for the promotion play-offs.

Steve Finnan returned to Birmingham following the conclusion of the loan deal.

Steve Finnan played his first match as a permanent player for Notts County after being introduced as a substitute against Shrewsbury Town.

The other notable record Steve Finnan established with Notts County during this season was a streak of 10 consecutive victories; a club record and one which still stands today.

Steve Finnan made his Fulham debut against Chesterfield on 21 November 1998 and scored his first goal for Fulham against Blackpool on 20 March 1999.

Steve Finnan's first season with the club was a success, with Fulham winning the Second Division championship and being promoted to the First Division.

Steve Finnan finished ninth with Fulham the following season under new manager Paul Bracewell, despite promising early season form and an unbeaten run lasting over two months.

Steve Finnan made his Liverpool debut against Chelsea on 17 August 2003.

Steve Finnan scored his first and only goal for Liverpool against West Bromwich Albion, played in the League Cup final, and was in the starting eleven as Liverpool won the Champions League Final, though a thigh injury meant he was substituted at half time.

In July 2007, Steve Finnan agreed a new two-year contract to remain with Liverpool.

Steve Finnan took his total appearances for Liverpool past the 200 mark and made it into the top 100 capped Liverpool players of all time.

Steve Finnan featured in 35 games, but lost his starting place, manager Rafa Benitez often preferring Arbeloa to start.

Steve Finnan was offered by Liverpool as a makeweight in a deal to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa; the player accepted the move but the clubs were unable to agree a fee.

Steve Finnan made a guest appearance in Jamie Carragher's testimonial match in September 2010.

On transfer deadline day, 1 September 2008, Steve Finnan signed a two-year deal with La Liga club Espanyol for an undisclosed fee.

In July 2009, Espanyol and Steve Finnan agreed to mutually terminate the remainder of his contract.

Steve Finnan signed a one-year contract with Premier League side Portsmouth on 31 July 2009.

Steve Finnan appeared in all three of Ireland's group E games in the 2002 FIFA World Cup against Cameroon, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

Steve Finnan was a regular choice in the 2006 World Cup qualification games but Ireland failed to qualify for the finals.

Steve Finnan was again a regular selection in the 2008 Euro qualification games but Ireland did not qualify for the finals.

Steve Finnan then announced his retirement from international football on 22 January 2008 after making 50 appearances for the Republic of Ireland.

Steve Finnan was arrested in June 2005 after running over an 81-year-old man from Liverpool, who later died of his injuries.

Steve Finnan faced no charges over the man's death, despite travelling more than twice the speed-limit at the time.