Professional footballers who don't like playing football

[journolud]

I was talking with my son on the way in yesterday about the drive needed to keep winning and wanting more and mentioned to him that there are some footballers who earn a living from it but don't enjoy it. Who, he not unreasonably asked and well, I couldn't answer. But I know there are some.

Can anyone enlighten me?

 

[bigstanhibbert]

individuals who sign for the scum

 

[jamesha]

Michael Johnson retired at 24. Crying shame as he had massive potential.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...l-news/man-city-michael-johnson-news-21535314

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

David Batty was one.

 

[gazinho]

Think that Assou-Ekotto who was at Spurs a few years ago said he hated playing the game but the wages were great

 

[Blue Maverick]

Bentley at Spurs was another one.

 

[meltonblue]

It’s not something that many players tend to really open up about, at least when they’re still playing, as it goes against the perception that every player cares as much about the club they’re playing for as the fans do.

Clearly most don’t and never will, but it’s one of those things that players and fans alike pretend to believe.

 

[Blue Smarties]

Ben White has said something along the lines of “after training, the last thing I want to do is watch football”.

 

[Stephen230]

There might be some who fall out of love with the game but I highly doubt there are many who’ve made it to the top of the game without having a deep love and determination to make it. Which you can’t really get with a detached, couldn’t care less attitude to the job. Unless you’re maybe just so ridiculously gifted that you don’t have to work at it.

 

[M16 citeh]

Bale