Episode 17: Gabby Agbonlahor
More places to listen:
Gabriel Agbonlahor is the all time leading scorer for Aston Villa Football Club – he is a true legend there and we dive into his time there - but when I think of Gabby I think of this -
It’s an interesting time for a player when it comes time to retire.
They are still young – usually in their early 30’s – they're famous, have a ton of money, a ton of time, they don’t really know how to do anything else, and used to the rush of 50,000 people screaming for you once per week. And well - it does not always go well for a young man with that set of circumstances.
And when I think of Gabby Agbonlahor – I think about this moment in his life. He remembers how it crept up on him – like, wait – 'I can just grab my lads and head to Las Vegas, or Monaco, and hang out and party?
And when Gabby retired he did this - for one year – way too much booze, living a fast and hard life – until he had a moment – a personal moment of reflection that wise people can have – that his life was veering out of control and he had to right the ship.
So, Gabby caught himself before he fell too far - and he entered the field of soccer journalism and punditry and found himself right at home. He now talks football on the biggest radio station in the world – and he’s quite good at it – full of humor and charisma – and often with a controversial take that lands him in the papers.
Gabby also counsels other football clubs on how to deal with life after the game – how to plan ahead – how to avoid trouble, care for your mental health and live a good post career life.
I learned a lot from Gabby and I hope you find him as interesting as I did.
Episode 17 – Gabriel Agbonlahor