‘Every day is Father’s Day for me!’
Footballing legend Robbie Savage on why today is such a special day in his household…
Robbie Savage is one proud dad. The now retired Premiership footballer has two footie-mad boys, Charlie, 17, who plays for Manchester United’sYouth Academy, and his youngest, Freddie, 13, who plays for Robbie’s team Egerton Panthers.
It seems every day is all about watching, practising and talking about the game. And when he’s not doing that, Robbie’s spending his lockdown days cleaning their home and working out in his garden gym.
We caught up with the pundit, 45, who’s married to Sarah, to find out why Father’s
Day means so much to him…
Hey Robbie. How do you guys celebrate Father’s Day?
My father passed away at the age of 63, so it’s mixed emotions in my house. It’s amazing to be a father, it’s the best feeling in the world, especially with a 17 year old and a 13 year old who are respectful and have been brought up in the right way. They’re great kids. Every day is Father’s Day for me – I just think how lucky I am to have two healthy boys who are flourishing in life.
Do you have fond memories of Father’s Day with your dad?
It was always football. My dad never missed one of my games – for 20 odd years of my life, he would go to every single game anywhere in the world. He taught me great lessons in life. When you’re in the public eye, some people can get carried away, but he always said, ‘It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice,’ and that always brought me back home.
What’s the greatest thing about being a dad?
It’s the end of the day, that moment at night, when they say, ‘Goodnight, Dad,’ and give me a kiss on the head. I just think, ‘How lucky am I?’ You’re never too big to show affection to your dad or your mum, and there’s nothing more I would love to do than give my dad a hug and kiss.
How about the hardest?
Making sure that they’re grounded and respectful and putting them on the right path. To them, meeting all these famous players like Rio Ferdinand, they’ve become accustomed, so I want to make sure they understand it’s not normal, they’re very privileged. They get judged because
I’m their dad. People have a go, but I tell them to focus on themselves and do the right thing.
Does it feel like a long time ago since your eldest was born?
I remember it so well. It was so nerve-racking.
What my wife went through was amazing. And when Charlie was born it was just the most fantastic feeling that you can never explain to anybody – that’s your son! He’s learning to drive now and it’s incredible to think 17 years ago he came into the world. It goes so quickly, you’ve got to cherish it all.
What’s your favourite thing to do together as a family?
It’s all about football in our house. My eldest son plays for Manchester United and my youngest plays on my team, and the way he’s handled himself has been remarkable for such a young person. If he’s moody and answers back, he needs to know I’m not your dad, I’m your manager. It’s difficult but I’m so proud of him.
How have you been coping during lockdown?
Well, a few years ago a newspaper called me ‘Blobby Savage’, so what I’ve been working on is my physical shape! I’ve got a nice back garden and I’ve got a training partner with my eldest son. I’ve turned my garage into a gym. I’ve also been able to spend more time with the family. Home schooling has been eye-opening!
Has being around your kids more taught you anything?
Not to be as moody! To calm down a little bit. I’m one of those people that’s like, ‘I’ve got to get it done,’ and Charlie’s like, ‘Just chill, Dad!’
Have you been getting stuck in with the housework?
I love doing stuff around the house. I bought a new Vax hard-floor cleaner which hoovers and washes at the same time. I’m driving my wife mad because I’m always cleaning. We have two French bulldogs and there’s constant hair, so I’m doing it two or three times a day. I can’t rest if one cushion is out of place.
You’re working with Santander to help prevent people falling for scams...
Yes, with me redoing the scene from The Big Short with Margot Robbie in a hot tub! There are lots of vulnerable people out there – people have been furloughed and lost their jobs so this is such an important message to get across. Santander has launched online classes to teach people about the subject.