A group of former Premier League stars, including Papiss Cisse, Danny Simpson, Stephen Ireland, Danny Drinkwater, and Ravel Morrison, organizes secret kickabouts in Cheshire. The group uses WhatsApp to coordinate their 10-a-side games, with Stephen Ireland overseeing the organization. The games are competitive, with losers having to pay a £10 forfeit to cover the costs. Players like Joleon Lescott, John O’Shea, and Antonio Valencia have participated in these matches, showcasing their continued passion for the game even after retiring.
Former Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse highlighted the competitive nature of the games, stating that the players still have the winning mentality from their professional careers. Despite being out of contract, Cisse remains hopeful of finding a new club and uses these games to stay fit and ready for potential opportunities. Similarly, Danny Simpson, who won the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016, also utilizes these kickabouts to maintain his fitness after leaving Bristol City. The games serve as a way for these players to stay connected to the sport they love and to remain in shape for potential future endeavors in football.
Players like Simpson have expressed the challenges of being out of contract and missing the camaraderie of being part of a team during pre-season. These kickabouts provide them with a sense of community and a way to stay connected to football. Simpson emphasized the difficulty of waiting for the next opportunity as a free agent but finds solace in these games that allow him to enjoy the sport he has dedicated his life to. The group’s WhatsApp community offers a space for these former professionals to stay connected, sharing football content and updates on their lives.
The players involved in these kickabouts continue to showcase their passion and dedication to football even after retiring from professional leagues. With talents like Emile Heskey, Papiss Cisse, and Wes Morgan regularly participating, the games provide a platform for these former stars to stay active and enjoy the game they love. Through these secret matches organized through WhatsApp, the players maintain their competitive edge and camaraderie, reflecting their enduring love for football. Despite their varying career paths post-retirement, the group comes together to relive the thrill of playing the game at a high level.
The group’s organizer, Stephen Ireland, ensures that these kickabouts run smoothly, allowing the former Premier League players to enjoy the sport in a recreational setting. The games serve as a reminder of the competitive spirit and camaraderie that these players shared during their professional careers. For players like Danny Drinkwater, who has had a challenging time in recent years, these matches offer a chance to reconnect with the game and rediscover the joy of playing football. Overall, the secret kickabouts organized by this group of former Premier League stars exemplify their enduring passion for the sport and their desire to stay connected to football even after retirement.
