Former Premier League midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has insisted that his surprise move to Emirati football last month was not motivated by money.
The 33-year-old, whose list of former employers includes Liverpool, Newcastle and Turkish sides Rizespor and Eyupspor, stressed that his switch to the United Arab Emirates third tier was driven by necessity, both professional and personal.
‘It doesn’t bother me,’ he told the BBC. ‘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.’
‘I’ve had my time,’ the Londoner, who spent time in academies at Arsenal, West Ham and Charlton before making his professional debut with the Addicks, said.
‘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’s move comes amid a growing migration of sports stars and high-net-worth individuals relocating to Dubai.
In recent months, Rio Ferdinand and Ronnie O’Sullivan have joined a long list of British names to take up residence in the UAE, following the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Roger Federer.
Observers argue that tax-free living, enhanced personal security and year-round sunshine have made Dubai a magnet for athletes nearing retirement, as well as professionals seeking a safer and more stable environment for their families.
‘I’m not massive on reading politics,’ Shelvey added. ‘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.’
In a Daily Mail Sport report earlier this month, experts noted that the Emirate’s so-called ‘Golden Visa’ scheme, which grants residency for up to 10 years, has further encouraged relocation among the rich and famous.
The government’s loosening of alcohol laws and investment in luxury residential zones has also helped reposition Dubai as an aspirational destination for British expats.
Shelvey joined third-tier side Arabian Falcons last month, reuniting with manager Harry Agombar, a childhood friend, after a hamstring injury halted a possible move to Hull City.
Now based in Dubai, Shelvey is combining playing duties with evening coaching as he studies for his UEFA A Licence, believing his career is entering its natural final phase.
He is however realistic about the stage he has reached, adding: ‘When you get older, every time you go on the training pitch, you think, ‘is this going to be my last session?’
‘If I got a bad injury now, I would probably call it a day.’
