David Andrew Platt is a retired English footballer, who played as a midfielder. David Platt began his career as an apprentice at Manchester United F.C.. Platt later moved to Crewe Alexandra F.C. where he began building a reputation as a goal scoring midfield player. In 1988, aged 22, he signed for Aston Villa where he continued his scoring rates. In 1989 he gained the attention of Sir Bobby Robson, the then England manager and made his debut. At the 1990 FIFA World Cup, Platt increased his continental reputation by scoring goals with both head and feet, whilst displaying passing abilities and high work rates. His performances in Italy earned him a move to Bari in 1991. His goal scoring abilities in the frugal and defensive Italian league. In 1992 he moved to Juventus, where he spent one season. In 1993, he moved to Sampdoria where he stayed for two seasons before returning to England with Arsenal, taking the total amount of money spent on his transfer fees, to £20 million. Platt played with the London club for three years before his retirement in 1998. Platt continued scoring goals for England, playing in Euro 92 and 96. Despite his efforts, England failed to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Afterwards, he returned to England as player-manager of Nottingham Forest. After expensive signings and failure on the field, he was sacked. Platt also served as manager of Sampdoria before leaving his post owing to poor results. Platt also managed the England Under-21 team. He is currently serving on Manchester City's coaching staff as first team coach.
Platt was given his first England cap by Bobby Robson in a friendly against Italy in 1989, and was then included in the England squad when Robson named his 22 players for the 1990 World Cup.
Platt was on the bench for all of England's group games, but was sent on as an extra time substitute in the second round game against Belgium. He responded by scoring a memorable volley on the turn in the very last minute of extra time—his first goal for his country, and also the latest goal up until then (excluding deciding penalties) in World Cup history - sending England into the quarter finals.
On 1 July 2010, Platt was hired as first team coach at Manchester City, a decision that was not well received by many City fans because of his well documented anti-City stance as a pundit.
