Jonjo Shelvey has played down claims that his move to the United Arab Emirates was driven by money, sharing what he describes as a “ballpark” figure for the average wage in the country’s third-tier.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who has previously played for Liverpool, Swansea City, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, amongst others, joined UAE side Arabian Falcons in the summer.
It is a far cry from the crowds we see in the Premier League every week. In fact, around 75 supporters attended a United Arab Emirates (UAE) Second Division League game earlier this month, according to Shelvey.
But the former England international is enjoying life in the Middle East. Speaking to the BBC, he opened up on why he decided to leave England.
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"I've had my time," said Shelvey. "I'm happy and content. I'm just at the stage now where I want to enjoy football. It's about waking up, enjoying what I do and spending time with my family.
"If I'm honest, I don't want my children growing up in England any more. We're very lucky that we lived in a nice part of the UK but where I'm from, originally, you can't have nice things in my opinion.
"I'd never wear a watch in London any more. You can't have your phone out in London, in my view."
Shelvey added: "I'm not massive on reading politics. I just see some of the things that go on. I see people getting arrested for tweeting and, then, all of the flags and 'taking back the country'.
"I'm not going to sit here and comment on things like that because I'm not clever enough to, and I'll get myself into trouble if I carry on, but I just feel that the UK isn't what it was 10 to 15 years ago."
The midfielder recently missed a penalty for Arabian Falcons in a 1-0 win over Al Fath – a moment that went viral on social media.
Shelvey says he "could not care less" about the criticism involved in his move to the UAE, and hit back at those who suggest his move was driven by money.
"It doesn't bother me," he said. "I've since seen a few things like 'he's gone there for money'. I'm thinking 'what money? There's no money in the UAE Second Division League'.
"The ballpark of the standard wage here is £2,000-a-month for a footballer. In terms of what I've earned throughout my career, that's nothing. My brother earns more working in a hotel in London, so it was never about coming here for the money."
Explaining his summer move further, Shelvey said he jumped at the chance of a "fresh start" in the United Arab Emirates.
Topics: Newcastle United, Premier League, Liverpool
Jack Kenmare