JONJO SHELVEY has hit back at claims he only moved to the Middle East for a fat payday.
The former Liverpool and Newcastle star, now 33, is playing for Arabian Falcons in the UAE’s Second Division League, a world away from Anfield or St James’ Park.
Footage of Shelvey skying a penalty for his new club went viral this month after the miss came in front of just 75 fans at Jebel Ali Shooting Club.
But the six-cap ex-England midfielder says he doesn’t care and rubbished suggestions he’s in it for the cash.
He told the BBC: “People say I’ve gone there for the money. I’m thinking, what money?
“There’s no money in the UAE Second Division League. The ballpark figure for wages here is about £2,000 a month for a footballer.”
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He added: “In terms of what I’ve earned through my career, that’s nothing.
“My brother earns more in a hotel in London. So it was never about coming here for the money.”
Shelvey had been without a club after leaving Nottingham Forest and having his contract at Burnley terminated after just four months.
He also failed to win a deal at Hull in the summer, while also battling a hamstring injury.
Then he got a call from Arabian Falcons boss Harry Agombar, a childhood mate, asking him to come to Dubai and help “grow the club”.
Despite his wife and three kids being settled on Tyneside, Shelvey saw the offer as a chance for a “fresh start”.
He said: “I’ve had my time. I’m happy and content. I just want to enjoy football again and spend time with my family.”
But his move wasn’t just about football, it was also about getting away from life in the UK, especially his native London.
He admitted: “If I’m honest, I don’t want my children growing up in England anymore.
“We were lucky to live in a nice part, but where I’m originally from, you can’t have nice things.”
“I wouldn’t wear a watch in London anymore. You can’t even have your phone out, in my opinion.”
In what has been a very interesting career Shelvey played for some top clubs and played six times for England between 2012 and 2015.
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