Former Manchester City striker Imre Varadi, known as 'Imre Banana', has seen his inflatable banana business boom after his former club were found guilty of breaching 114 Premier League financial rules.
Varadi, who joined City in the 1980s, has capitalised on a resurgence of the inflatable banana trend from that era. Supporters originally brought inflatable bananas to away matches, and the fad has now been revived following the guilty verdict over the club's Premier League charges.
Revival of the inflatable banana craze
City are contesting the decision, meaning the wait for a final resolution continues. If they fail in their appeal, the club could face severe sanctions, potentially including points deductions or even expulsion from the Premier League.
In their first match since the verdict was announced, the away section at Anfield was awash with inflatable bananas. Varadi, who set up his own company selling them, has seen demand surge.
'Demand has gone through the roof'
"The craze has taken off again," he told The Sun. "It will be 40 years next year since it began and is ingrained in City's history, so I'm proud to be a part of it."
"I launched my own company - as now the inflatable business is a billion-dollar industry. And I'm the actual 'Imre Banana' who played for City, wore the No 9 and scored goals for them!"
"To see so many bananas in the away end at Anfield was really special. And this weekend's game against Ipswich is just going to be unbelievable."
VIP treatment at the Etihad
"I'm getting thousands of orders from all over the world - demand has absolutely gone through the roof." The 67-year-old is set to be a special guest at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday as the club welcomes Ipswich Town, in their first Premier League home match since the verdict was delivered.
"The club want to see the entire Etihad holding bananas!" Varadi exclaimed. "City invited me and my family to the game and are giving us the VIP treatment."
Varadi represented City for two years from 1986 to 1988, before moving on to Sheffield Wednesday. During his stint at the club, he netted 19 goals and provided one assist in 59 appearances. City were just one of several English clubs he turned out for during his extensive career, making the most appearances for Newcastle United, with spells at Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Everton, among others.
