Eight footballers with weird ‘sidequest’ jobs together with polo star and winemaker
Premier League footballers take home eye-watering amounts of money every year and are run off their feet by the packed schedule, but some find the time to take on bizarre sidequests
Footballers often count themselves lucky, as their job doubles as their main hobby and childhood dream while taking home enough cash to discover new ideas of fun and avenues to explore.
But, it’s not all about the golf courses, Sky Sports News, Nando’s and nightclubs for some of them as they find unique ways to unwind. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at eight footballers you didn’t know had peculiar side jobs and hobbies.
Theo Walcott – children’s author
Theo Walcott wrote the successful series of TJ books in 2010(Image: Rune Hellestad/Corbis via Getty Images)
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You might be surprised to learn that Walcott wasn’t just swift on the pitch but also with a pen. The former Southampton, Arsenal and Everton forward is also the brains behind the TJ series of children’s books, about a child footballing prodigy.
Only four books were published in 2010, but they all received critical and mass acclaim. The Guardian even called them “surprisingly good”.
Theo has yet to write a book since then, having turned his attention to punditry, but never say never.
Petr Cech – drummer
Christmas number one song in the making for Petr Cech?(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Remembered for his goalkeeping prowess, the former Chelsea and Arsenal shot stopper also rocks a different set of sticks – drumsticks, that is.
He has a knack for drumming, frequently flaunting his rhythm on YouTube, where he drums along to a diverse playlist ranging from Nirvana to Rihanna.
Not content with rocking out on the drums, Cech is also an ice hockey goaltender for Haringey Huskies and played for teams in Guildford, Chelmsford, Oxford and Belfast. One could say he is literally a cool dude.
Daniel Agger – tattoo artist
Daniel Agger now runs a tattoo empire(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
One look at Agger’s ink-adorned physique is enough to reveal his love for tattoos. The ex-Liverpool centre-back has carved out quite the niche for himself since hanging up his boots – he’s turned his hand to tattooing.
Notably, this former Anfield stalwart has brandished his Reds’ allegiance permanently with “YNWA” etched in red on his knuckles, as a proud homage to Liverpool’s iconic anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone, highlighting his enduring bonds with the club.
Since retiring at a relatively young 31, he’s been dedicating himself to the tattooist trade and launched his own tattoo empire, Tattoodo.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – taekwondo
Zlatan showing off his taekwondo skills in training(Image: Giuseppe Cottini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
As well as being an imposing figure on the pitch, Zlatan Ibrahimovic packs some martial arts prowess – he’s a bona fide black belt in taekwondo, no less.
The former Sweden international had already secured his black belt status by the tender age of 17.
His time at Juventus saw him mix it up with Italy’s national taekwondo squad too. Many say it was the same martial arts agility that inspired him to score that sensational overhead kick against England in 2012.
Gabriel Batistuta – polo
Gabriel Batistuta took a shot at polo after quitting football(Image: Daniel Garcia/AFP via Getty Images)
Switching football boots for mallets, the Argentine goal machine also made his mark in the world of polo following his 2005 retirement from football.
The ex-Fiorentina frontman wasn’t just any amateur; he powered through to the pinnacle of the sport, claiming glory at the elite Copa Stella Artois in 2009 with the Tom Tailor team.
Regrettably, his football injuries pulled the reins on his polo career. But he’s since galloped into the construction industry back home and occasionally dabbles in football punditry.
Les Ferdinand – pilot
Les Ferdinand’s career hit new heights – literally(Image: AirTeamImages)
Not content with merely dodging defenders, the former striker decided to soar above the rest of us, trading sports cars for aircraft due to a universal peeve: hating traffic jams.
While playing for Tottenham, he made the decision to overcome his fear of flying. Not only did he conquer it, but he went above and beyond.
He spent two years completing a helicopter flying course and even considered offering commercial flights. Ultimately, he chose to keep it as a personal hobby.
Mario Balotelli – piano
That’s entertainment for Mario Balotelli(Image: YouTube)
With Mario, nothing ever comes as a surprise, including his ability to play the piano. The Italy international, currently in the UAE with Al-Ittifaq, is quite skilled at tickling the ivories. His hidden talent was revealed when a video surfaced of him serenading teammate Andrea Pirlo with a melody or two.
Andrea Pirlo – wine making
Andrea Pirlo is a wine connoisseur(Image: Roland Weihrauch/dpa/Alamy Live News)
Just when you thought the midfield maestro couldn’t ooze any more sophistication, he steps it up a level.
Andrea owns a family vineyard in Brescia, producing between 15,000 and 20,000 bottles annually. He retired from football in 2017 and has since been promoting his wine and growing the business.
Pratum Coller, his wine collection, is available worldwide.
