Football players who don't like football
While for the vast majority of fans, football is a great passion, and they would probably play for their teams for free or even pay to do so at least once, there are players who have openly acknowledged that, for them, football is just a job. It may seem shocking and even strange from a fan's perspective, but that's true because some have almost innate physical, technical, and mental abilities that allow them to excel at a very high level, and this results in good salaries and a good football career. This doesn't mean that they necessarily hate playing football; rather, they simply see it as a job. In some cases, they tend to have an interest in other sports, which they play out of passion or for fun.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
Barcelona's German goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, one of the best in his position in recent years, acknowledged during the COVID-19 pandemic that he wasn't a football fan. He basically explained that he didn't watch football in his free time and only did so when there was an important game or a friend was playing. He also said that he's often asked about a player and doesn't know who it is, precisely because he doesn't watch much football.Mario Balotelli
Super Mario never leaves anyone indifferent. Throughout his career, he's been surrounded by controversy and statements that generate a stir, such as when he explained why he doesn't usually celebrate his goals. "I don't celebrate my goals because it's my job. When a postman delivers a letter, do they celebrate?".
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Christian Vieri
Another Italian, Christian Vieri, was one of the best goal scorers of his generation and became the most expensive signing in the world in 1999. However, the Italian, despite being born in the country of the boot, went to Australia at a very young age, because his father, who was a professional football player, signed for a team there, and in Australia developed a huge passion for cricket. In fact, in one interview he said that he dreamed of "one day becoming the next Allan Border" and that if "in cricket they give me a contract equal to one in football, I'll quickly switch".David Batty
The English midfielder David Batty was a standout player in British football in the 1990s, where he played for some of the best teams of the era, such as Blackburn and Newcastle, and even played for Leeds United in the early 2000s. Added to this is his more than 40 appearances for the England national team. Despite all this, Batty has stated that he "hasn't watched a football game since he retired" and that he "doesn't understand why people pay to watch it".
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Gareth Bale
The Welshman Gareth Bale's case is a unique one that may lead to divided opinions. Although he hasn't said he doesn't like football or that he doesn't watch it often, his love for golf clearly outweighs any interest he may have in football. It's curious that, despite this, Bale was considered one of the best football players in the world for some years.Carlos Vela
Carlos Vela was one of the best Mexican talents of the last two decades, excelling in the Spanish league for many years, especially with Real Sociedad. However, Vela made it clear that he prefers other things to football. "Between a good movie and a good football game, I prefer the movie". It's also known that he has a fondness for basketball, so football ranks considerably low in his preferences.David Bentley
The former Blackburn, Tottenham, and Arsenal midfielder David Bentley was one of the great hopes of English football in his time, playing for the national team through all its ranks, including the main one. Bentley declared at the end of his career (he retired at 29) that he had become disenchanted with modern football, finding it "predictable and a bit too calculated" and even "robotic". He has now distanced himself considerably from football and has dedicated himself to managing his businesses, such as clubs and restaurants.