A footballer’s wife has given a humanising insight into what goes on behind the scenes when a player moves club.
It’s a scenario most players go through multiple times in their career, for better or worse.
Last year, FIFA stats revealed that almost 80,000 players in the men’s and women’s games, including amateur levels, completed transfer across the globe.
And adding to the number this year is our case study Haris Tabakovic, a Swiss forward who has just joined Borussia Monchengladbach on loan from Hoffenheim.
His wife, Sabrina, shared photos of them on the way down the motorway, including a snap with their child, and an exclusive look at their messages.
‘Babe, pack your bags,’ Haris texted his wife to break the news to her that they were moving. Her response was nothing short of heart-warming.
‘What – stop – OMG – stop,’ Sabrina wrote back, her excitement levels rising.
‘We’re flying today,’ Haris said. ‘Medical check tomorrow!’
At tha point Sabrina had possibly the most enthused reaction to a visit to the doctor anyone has ever had: ‘What – OMG – OMG!’
What their conversation betrays is how much a player’s move impacts their entire family.
It’s easy to imagine players siloed in their own world of stadiums and the training ground but the reality is far different.
Their messages also communicate how players and their families are expected to drop things at a moment’s notice – and not just on deadline day.
Sabrina later wrote a declaration of her love for and commitment to Haris: ‘A new chapter begins – from Hoffenheim to Gladbach. I am infinitely proud of you, of your strength, your discipline, and your courage to keep going. I’m always behind you, in every moment, with all my heart.
‘May you stay healthy and experience everything you fight so hard for. We walk this path together – today, tomorrow, always. I love you.’
