Jaap Stam was notorious for being a no-nonsense tough man in football, but he seemingly displayed those traits off the pitch too.
The former player is regarded as a Manchester United legend nowadays after being one of the greatest defenders to take to the field in Red.
He made history by being part of the first-ever English team to win the treble back in 1999 and was an influential figure in the changing room and the squad during one of the most successful eras for the Red Devils.
Aside from his top-notch defensive abilities, the Dutchman was feared by his opponents. His towering frame and strength made almost any player he came up against feel sheepish, and he certainly knew how to play on that during matches.
It wasn’t just footballers who felt the brunt of his overpowering tendencies, though, as a former staff member at United recounted a bizarre interaction with Jaap Stam during a party at Gary Neville’s house.
Ex-physiotherapist Rod Thornley was at a loss for words after the defender carried out a WWE-style ‘suplex’ on him during the gathering. Viewers will know the move is still incredibly popular to this day and if you’re an avid fan of wrestling, then find the details on the best WWE betting sites online here.
Thornley told of his meeting with Jaap Stam when speaking to Undr the Cosh, saying: “I think if you cross the wrong people in that dressing room you were gone very quickly. I mean look at Jaap Stam. That’s a big example of it. He said some bad things about the Nevilles and bang he’s gone out the club. He was a great lad. I remember him f***ing picking me up at a house party once and suplexing me on the sofa. I was like: ‘What you doing? We’re in the middle of a house party!’
He added: “[I did] Nothing! Just walked past him. It was a big house party at Gary Neville’s house and he just picked me up and f**ing suplexed me onto the sofa… [I said] ‘What the f*** Japp!’”
The centre-back later left Old Trafford at the start of the 2001/2002 campaign for Serie A club Lazio. His exit was on controversial terms, as he had released an autobiography detailing revelations and allegations regarding the club – much to the dismay of then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Still, his legacy has lived on in the modern game.
