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From Premier League Buzz to the UAE Pitch

Jonjo Shelvey, once a mainstay in England’s top-flight football, has taken an unexpected turn in his career by joining the Arabian Falcons in the UAE Second Division League. The former England international, who previously shone at clubs like Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Swansea City, has defended his decision to move, insisting it was never about money.

Footage of a penalty miss against Al Fath went viral earlier this month, with Shelvey estimating only 75 fans were in attendance. Despite the social media attention, the midfielder says he “could not care less” about the criticism.

“It doesn’t bother me,” he explained. “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.”

Shelvey even noted that his brother earns more working in London. His move, he says, is about family, lifestyle, and a fresh start rather than financial gain.

Seeking Balance and a Fresh Start

Shelvey’s career in the UK had hit a pause following a hamstring injury and an unsuccessful trial at Hull City. The free agent admits he had been “doing nothing for two months” when Arabian Falcons manager Harry Agombar, a childhood friend, reached out with an opportunity to “grow the club” in Dubai.

“It was about waking up, enjoying what I do, and spending time with my family,” Shelvey said. “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.”

The London-born midfielder also highlighted personal safety concerns, noting, “I’d never wear a watch in London any more. You can’t have your phone out in London, in my view.”

For Shelvey, the UAE represents not just a professional opportunity but also a chance to live a safer, more family-oriented life, all while continuing to enjoy the game he loves.

Love for Newcastle Remains

Though Shelvey has relocated, his heart remains with the north east, particularly Newcastle United, where he spent seven years — the longest stint at any club in his career.

“There are loads of things to do,” he said of Newcastle. “I don’t care what anyone says. If players are going to listen to this, it’s a no-brainer to go there and play football. You will not find love at a football club like I found at Newcastle, with how they take to their players and how much they back you.”

Shelvey was part of Newcastle’s highs and lows, from surviving relegation in 2016 to scoring a “massive” goal against Leeds United, which he humorously described as pivotal to Eddie Howe’s reign.

“I had experienced playing against Newcastle at St James’ Park and you get a real buzz, but you never understand how big the club is until you are there,” he said. For fans tuning in through Sports Channel, Shelvey’s reflections underscore the emotional connection he maintains with the club and its supporters.

Coaching Ambitions and Life Beyond Playing

In Dubai, Shelvey is combining training with coaching, taking Uefa A Licence coaching qualifications while mentoring younger players at the Falcons. He is cautious about reaching out to Newcastle’s coaching staff directly, preferring to earn opportunities on merit.

“I want to get there on merit rather than relying on someone I know,” he said. “I’m combining coaching in the evenings with training in the mornings after signing an initial one-year deal with the Falcons. The club targets promotion to the second tier.”

Among his teammates is former Manchester United and West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison, and Shelvey notes that several players in the UAE could compete in League One or League Two back in England if given the chance.

The Realities of Age and Fitness

Shelvey is candid about his body and the physical realities of professional football at age 33. “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. I wouldn’t want to go through the process of rehabbing. There is a fear in that sense, but while I still feel relatively good, strong, and fit, I’ll just keep going.”

For fans watching through Sports Channel, this honesty reinforces the image of a seasoned professional who values both personal well-being and the enjoyment of the game over prestige or fame.

Redefining Priorities

Shelvey’s journey illustrates how footballers can redefine success on their own terms. From Premier League crowds to a modest UAE stadium, he has traded public acclaim for family stability, personal safety, and the joy of playing football.

“It’s never been about the money,” he insists. “It’s about happiness, family, and enjoying football while I can.”

For supporters and budding players watching his story on Sports Channel, Shelvey’s move is a reminder that professional sports can be about more than contracts and highlights — it can also be about lifestyle, legacy, and the simple love of the game.