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30 March 2022updated 12 Oct 2023 11:39am

Forget the millions and the Baby Bentley, a footballer’s life is one of stress and toil

From injuries to social media trolls, fans just don’t realise the strains of being a rich and pampered player.

By Hunter Davies

It must have been awfully worrying for Chelsea players these past few weeks. If the club can’t earn money, will their £10m a year suddenly stop? And the Baby Bentley has to be sold. Up at Everton, they must be fretting for different reasons. If the club goes bust, what happens to them?

Fans just don’t realise the stresses and strains of being a top footballer. Yet in my long-legged life, I have met only one footballer who wanted out. It is common in other professions for people to leave, even if they are well paid and have status. Doctors pack it in before they have to. I knew one GP who beside the names of most of his patients had scribbled “HS” for “Heart Sinks”.Teachers get worn out – by the kids, the parents, the management, the government, the local pub banning them on Fridays after school for getting too rowdy.

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