Is out there hiding in Sunderland somewhere... A NORTH-East footballer who stunned football by declaring he âbelonged to Jesusâ is to tell how he was âsaved in Sunderlandâ, The Northern Echo can reveal. Sunderland AFC full back Kieran Richardson, whose attitude to fans while at Manchester United saw him dubbed Lord Snooty, says finding God changed his life. The 27-year-old first went public in his Christian faith in December, when he celebrated scoring in the Premier League at Wolverhampton Wanderers by revealing a vest saying âI belong to Jesusâ. The display shocked fans, more used to seeing their heroes squander their huge pay packets on drink, drugs and âwagsâ â wives and girlfriends â than devote themselves to Bible study and prayer. The London-born, privately-educated England international has not spoken of his faith publicly since. However, he and his family, including his partner, Natalie Suliman, joined Good Word Ministries, near Durham City, last year and Richardson is gearing up to tell his life story at a church event next month. Richardson is refusing to give away too much in advance, encouraging people to attend on the night. However, he said: âIâve been a born again Christian for four years. I was saved in Sunderland. Itâs changed my life for the better â through Jesusâ death. âPeople need to know if they feel they canât talk to anyone, the church is here for them. The main thing is having a relationship with God.â Didi Dolopei, pastor of Good Word Ministries, Durham, said: âKieran and his family feel privileged and blessed given their personal backgrounds. âTheyâve decided to use this privilege for the advantage of others by telling their stories and coming alongside as many as are willing, to bring encouragement and hope. âThey have great passion to see young people do well and to aspire for a good future. We hope to touch the lives of many within the Durham communities. Iâm sure Kieran has a challenging story of hope for his listeners.â Richardson began his professional career at West Ham United, but signed for Manchester United in 2001 before making an appearance for the Hammers. He played 41 times for Sir Alex Fergusonâs side, scoring twice. But it was during a 2005 loan spell at West Bromwich Albion that he proved his talent, helping the club avoid relegation and winning a place on Englandâs end-of-season trip to the US, where he scored twice on his international debut. He was romantically linked to a number of celebrities, but has been in a relationship with Ms Suliman for several years. His former lap dancer cousin, Charley Uchea, appeared on Channel 4âs Big Brother reality TV show in 2007. Former teammate Roy Keane brought him to Sunderland in July 2007 for £5.5m. A left winger-turned-left back, he has since made more than 130 appearances for the Black Cats and is now the clubâs longest serving player. Richardson will speak at A Life-Changing Event, at Good Word Ministries, Durham Business Centre, Langley Moor, near Durham City, on Friday, May 4, at 7pm. He will tell his story, pose for photographs and hand out 30 autographed footballs.
I would'nt say that he has lost the plot. Having faith is an excellant thing. Just cos we dont agree with his beliefs doesnt make them any less powerfull to him. Let hi get on with it and good luck to him
The report is factually inaccurate, as the first showing of 'I belong to Jesus', or similar, was away to Blackpool last season. Sorry to be pedantic like.
I thought that too (wasn't sure where mind) but wondered if I had mis-remembered! Re the OP I think the lad should be commended. We have enough footballer 'role models' that hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Having a player that kids can look up to at Sunderland who is caring, respectful, modest and non-drinking is not a bad thing in my eyes.
Most of my family are born again Christians, its powerful stuff I can tell you. While I don't believe in any of the god side of it the one thing that they do is an aweful lot of work in the community and for charity. Most of the focus is on community and helping people less fortunate, getting kids off the streets etc... If Ricco is involved in such activities then fair play to him. I would much rather he was contributing to the local community rather than getting into trouble like some of our other players. To be fair he has done very little wrong on the pitch this season and has been a model professional though out his time with us.
having a faith or lack of one is irrelevant, its what you do in life thats important. I know Christians who go to church, pray then kick the homeless bloke on the way out. Don't see the point in faith if you only preach about it in church, then forget about it day to day. If Ricco needs faith to live a "good" life then so be it. The important thing is that he does live a good life, not why. What I cant stand is when people try to sell their faith and push it on me. I respect your choice, you respect mine.
If your son or grandson said, "When I grow up I want to be like".. whose name would you prefer to hear, both footballers, one believes in Jesus one is a regular at court. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
