Barstool Sports

Penny whistler: Florinel, 25, from Timisoara, Romania, came to Manchester to get medication for his hyperextended knees – a condition he was born with that means they are bent out of shape. Playing for money: Florinel speaks no English but travels around Manchester on a skateboard and busks on the bustling Market Street, after leaving behind his wife and two children, aged five and 10, in Romania. The busker, who lives on the streets of Manchester, spoke to reporters through a Big Issue magazine seller named Magdalena, was able to translate from Romanian and said he was her friend.

She said Florinel, who is also known as ‘Florin’ for short, has lived in the UK for one year after leaving his family behind – and that his children still go to school back home in Romania. Magdalena said: ‘He uses his skateboard to move around on because public transport is difficult for him to use as he cannot get on board a train, bus or tram without help. ‘He couldn’t get the help he needed at home so he came here and busks so that he can afford prescriptions from the doctor. He takes two tablets a day for pain relief.

Here’s what I don’t understand. How the fuck Florinel can look me in the face and say that he’s a skater with those shoes. Are you serious bro? Velcro? I don’t even care that you’re trying to make money with your little toy recorder that you got in a Cracker Jack box and probably plays one flat note. I don’t care that you’re trying to provide for your “wife” and kids.  I don’t care that you have backwards knees and look like stretch armstrong crossed with that weird kid in elementary school that was double jointed and most likely ate his own boogers. I care about the skateboard and your total lack of commitment to proper skating attire. Ever heard the saying dress for the job you want not the job you have Florinel? Well that applies. You want to stop being poor? Then go and buy yourself a pair of Vans or DC’s because anyone who takes one look at your reversed knees, leather jacket, and velcro sneakers knows that you have no business living your life on a skateboard. Poser.

PS - Would it kill Florinel to work in a leg day once and a while at the gym? Chicken Leg city.