Pardon Barton?

Joey Barton was once thought of as a thug, a brute and a disgrace to English football. But he has been enjoying better press of late, having spent the last season on loan in sunnier climes. Joey Barton has reinvented himself in Europe's Capital of Culture - Marseille. He's been enjoying a very stylish holiday (a working one) in the wonderful city in the South of France.

Criminal proceedings, fines by the Football Association and even brawls with teammates resulting in hefty fines and bans by his own clubs has seen Joey Barton earn a reputation in the English game as a bit of a thug. He has attended anger management courses, but always seems to relapse. Red cards, prison sentences and very public criticisms of his clubs Manchester City, Newcastle and Queens Park Rangers have seen Barton become a sort of hot potato jumping between mid-table Premier League clubs.

In the final match of the 2011-2012 Premier League season, Barton was sent off after lashing out at a Manchester City player. He had another go before leaving the field and nearly sparked a brawl. QPR went on to take a surprising lead against City, who had to win to become Champions - Barton's sending off might have been a factor in City's last minute comeback to snatch the title from local rivals Manchester United on goal  difference. Barton picked up a 12 match ban.

So what did QPR do with their hot-headed midfielder? The same his previous clubs had done - offload him. Barton joined French Ligue 1 side Marseille on loan, and the culture of the south of France seems to have brought out the gentleman in him.

It took only one match for Barton to pick up the accent. He was seeming more refined already.

His football became more classy too. He scored directly from a corner in the 2-2 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach, his only goal in 29 appearances. He also did not pick up a trademark red card whilst at the French club. The controversy did not completely end though, with Barton continuing to cause a stir on Twitter, with criticisms of fellow players which led to investigations by the French League's ethics committee. Barton also claimed that he only joined QPR for the money, and that he would not return to his parent club after his loan spell at Marseille ended. He has expressed a desire to stay with the French club - something many English football fans might be happy about and perhaps a sign of a once brutal player turning over a new leaf.

So if Marseille can draw the class from a man once described as England's "dirtiest footballer", can you imagine what it could do for normal folk like us? The culture is seemingly infectious in the French city and, if Barton is anything to go by, something that you won't want to leave.

Marseille's museums, exhibitions and cultural attractions will remain long after the title of European Capital of Culture is given to another city at the end of 2013. The beautiful city will continue to offer an amazing cultural experience and an extraordinarily stylish stay. If Joey Barton can reinvent himself here, can't you?

Enjoy your own cultural rebirth in Marseille, with the Trippa Marseille travel app. Showing you the very best that the city has to offer, you'll find everything you need for a luxurious stay in France's second city. Download the app here!

Photo credit: Renanda Filipus