Former England star Jonjo Shelvey criticizes home country while embracing new chapter in Dubai
Jonjo Shelvey, the former England international, has openly expressed his disdain for his home country, stating that England is “full of scumbags” following his relocation to Dubai for a managerial role with Arabian Falcons, reports BritPanorama.
Since moving to the United Arab Emirates, Shelvey has reported feeling entirely safe, even amidst the ongoing US-Iran tensions, which have resulted in explosions in the region. He noted that despite these conflicts, daily life in Dubai carries on as normal, with people enjoying local amenities such as malls and beaches.
“People are still going to the beaches, the malls, the restaurants. The first day, when there was a bomb, we just went out and went to the mall,” he told the i. “We just got told ‘Everything’s fine’ and it was. I know a lot of people have gone home but I’m just like ‘Why?’ Trust them. The UAE has made us feel so safe,” he added.
Shelvey did share some frustrations, particularly regarding his children’s extended school break, stating, “The only thing that’s been a bit annoying is the kids are off school for three weeks… Even if my family have a big party and asks me to fly back for it, I say ‘No’.”
He contrasted his current environment with challenges he perceives back in England, referencing a recent incident involving his wife’s sister, who had her phone stolen in London. “There’s too many scumbags around,” he remarked, reflecting his sentiment about safety in the UK.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Shelvey indicated that his managerial style is influenced by previous mentors, including Eddie Howe and Michael Laudrup. He disclosed that throughout his playing career, he diligently noted down effective training drills to implement as a coach. “I’ve taken things from quite a lot of managers that I’ve worked with in the past,” he explained, noting his comprehensive folder of training strategies as a key resource for his new role.
The upcoming challenge for Shelvey and Arabian Falcons FC will be to pursue promotion and development, an exciting venture following his transition from player to manager in a foreign league. With his noteworthy experiences shaping his approach, he appears poised to leave an impactful imprint on his new team.
In the world of sport, geographical boundaries often blur; Shelvey’s reflections serve as a reminder of how easily personal and professional narratives intertwine in the life of an athlete. How a change of scenery can ignite both new ambitions and old grievances speaks volumes about the experiences that continue to shape their journey.
