Ramon Calliste was dubbed Manchester United’s next big thing but now earns £5 million a year after starting his own business.
Calliste caught United’s attention when from when he was in high school. He moved to Old Trafford and was labelled as United’s next Ryan Giggs.
However, his football career didn’t materialise the way Calliste wanted it to.
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Speaking exclusively to The Sun, he spoke about going from being a footballer to making huge money as a business owner.
Calliste said: “I was watched by Man United scout Tony Hopkins for two years when I was at a high school in Cardiff.
“Originally, I signed for Coventry, but I didn’t feel happy there. I got picked for the Wales under-19s aged 13, and Coventry stopped me from playing.
“I found out that was because someone could’ve poached me if they’d saw me play and I impressed other scouts. I got out of that contract, went back to school and then I was off to Manchester United in 2000.”
Calliste added: “When I got to Old Trafford I met Sir Alex Ferguson, which was an incredible experience. Seeing everything for the first time, I went into the famous room where everyone meets him.
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“It was a special, I wasn’t fazed by much when I was young, but he had the aura of a great man.”
Unfortunately, Calliste never managed to break into the first team at United and was eventually released by the club.
Since leaving United, Calliste played for Scunthorpe United. However, his football career went into disarray when he dislocated his ankle during his first pre season with the club. He cracked a bone and damaged his ligaments.
Calliste tried to get his football career going again at clubs like Farnborough and Cambridge City but it was to no avail.
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The former Red Devil then decided to start his own business and founded Global Watches in 2013.
Calliste's company sells high end luxury watches such as Rolex, Audemars, Piguet and Hublot and makes an estimated £5 million a year.
His clients are many footballers and celebrities, including Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
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Calliste said: “When I realised football wasn’t going to give me the life I desired, it was about setting up something else and moving fast.
“I started to get involved in watches through contacts I had in the world of football. Once I saw it could become a viable business, I set up Global Watches in 2013 and it’s become a really strong company that’s now turning over millions.
“The idea is to keep it growing and hopefully sell the company in five or ten years time, just like Watch-finder did recently.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Football