Jonjo Shelvey Reflects on Career Moves and Personal Life in Dubai
Jonjo Shelvey has faced his share of missed penalties.
However, a recent penalty miss during a match against Al Fath gained significant attention on social media, as footage of the incident went viral. Shelvey, the captain of the Arabian Falcons, noted that only about 75 supporters attended the UAE Second Division League match earlier this month, a stark contrast to the crowds he experienced while playing for clubs like Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Swansea City.
Despite the lack of spectators, Shelvey expressed that he was unfazed by the incident, stating, "It doesn't bother me." He acknowledged the online comments suggesting he moved to the UAE for financial gain, emphasizing, "What money? There’s no money in the UAE Second Division League." He pointed out that the average salary for players in the league is around £2,000 a month, which pales in comparison to his earnings throughout his career. "My brother earns more working in a hotel in London, so it was never about coming here for the money," he added.
So, what led Shelvey to play in the third tier of UAE football?
A New Beginning
After spending two months without a club, Shelvey had been inactive following a hamstring injury sustained during an unsuccessful trial with Hull City. Arabian Falcons manager Harry Agombar, a childhood friend, reached out to invite him to Dubai to help develop the club.
Although Shelvey's family remained settled in Tyneside, he viewed this opportunity as a chance for a fresh start. "I’ve had my time," the 33-year-old said. "I’m happy and content. I just want to enjoy football, wake up, and spend time with my family. If I’m honest, I don’t want my children growing up in England anymore. We were fortunate to live in a nice part of the UK, but where I’m originally from, you can’t have nice things, in my opinion." He expressed concern over safety, stating, "I’d never wear a watch in London anymore. You can’t have your phone out in London, in my view."
According to the Metropolitan Police, approximately 80,000 mobile phones were stolen in London last year, highlighting the safety concerns Shelvey mentioned.
Reflecting on the current state of the UK, he remarked, "I’m not massive on reading politics, but I see some of the things that go on. I feel that the UK isn’t what it was 10 to 15 years ago."
Fond Memories of Newcastle
This sentiment is not a slight on the community he has left behind. Shelvey expressed that the northeast remains the only place he would want to live. "There’s this debate about whether Newcastle can attract big players compared to Manchester and London clubs, but until you go there, you don’t realize what it does to you," he said. "There are loads of things to do. If players are listening, it’s a no-brainer to go there and play football."
He fondly recalled his seven-year tenure at Newcastle, noting the unique support players receive from the fans. "You will not find love at a football club like I found at Newcastle, with how they take to their players and back you," he stated. Shelvey, who remained with the club even after relegation, played a crucial role in their return to the Premier League and recalled scoring a pivotal goal against Leeds United that helped secure their top-flight status.
"If I hadn’t scored that, the club would have gone down!" he joked, reflecting on the importance of that moment in head coach Eddie Howe’s reign. "I loved my time at Newcastle. I just wanted to get up there, get my medical done, and get signed when I first received the call. You never understand how big the club is until you are there."
Looking Ahead
Shelvey continues to hold affection for Newcastle and for Howe, who he believes knows how to motivate players. However, he is cautious about being a burden and has not yet reached out to Howe as he works towards obtaining his UEFA A Licence coaching qualification. A member of Howe’s backroom team suggested that Shelvey should contact his former manager to observe training or assist in the academy, but he prefers to earn his place based on merit.
Currently, Shelvey is balancing coaching in the evenings with training in the mornings after signing a one-year deal with the Falcons, who are aiming for promotion. He recognizes that some of his teammates could compete in higher leagues if given the opportunity, but he is aware that his physical condition has changed. "When you get older, every time you go on the training pitch, you think, ‘Is this going to be my last session?’" he said. "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. But while I still feel relatively good, strong, and fit, I’ll just keep going."