Former England international Jonjo Shelvey has explained that his recent transfer to play for UAE Second Division side Arabian Falcons in Dubai was driven by concerns over his family’s quality of life and safety, rather than a lucrative contract.
Shelvey, aged 32, admitted that after leaving the English Premier League and a brief spell with other clubs, he found himself “doing nothing” for a period, before being invited by childhood friend and Falcons manager Harry Agombar to move to Dubai.
He stated: “People say I’ve gone there for the money. What money? There’s no money in the UAE Second Division League … My brother earns more working in a hotel in London.”
On his decision to relocate his family, he added: “If I’m honest, I don’t want my children growing up in England any more. We were lucky to live in a nice part, but where I’m from, you can’t have nice things … I’d never wear a watch in London any more. You can’t even have your phone out.”
In Dubai, Shelvey is combining playing with ambitions of pursuing his UEFA A coaching licence and focuses on enjoying football again rather than chasing major honours.