From saving to selling

Portsmouth doctor and, of course, my close friends and family. Everyone supported me even though a lot of people thought I was stupid for doing it. “But football isn't what everyone thinks. Of course the pay is great and the lifestyle is even better. But most of the time, football is a very lonely place, often having many hours alone, in random towns across the country and being away from the family. It gets lonely and upsetting for sure. “The moment it really hit me that football was over for me was when I went to Cambridge on loan to try and salvage my career. We lost at home to Grimsby and both goals were my fault. “However, when the ball hit the back of the net, it didn't hurt me like it used to and like it should. “After that game I locked myself in the kit man’s room for an hour because I was too embarrassed to see anyone. That's when I knew it was over.” He took a gamble and quit the game at just 26; swapping the UK for a life in the US where he now is carving out a successful career in the highly-competitive real estate market of Las Vegas.

It’s testament to him that he’s been able to overcome terrible lows his depression brought him and make a name for himself elsewhere.

Now a permanent resident of Las Vegas, John has a portfolio of properties he is responsible for selling and is thriving under a different kind of pressure.

“I haven't missed football at all,” he said. “I've just moved on with my life and enjoyed my time travelling and learning a new career.

“I look back with fond memories. I always loved training, and took it very seriously. I was proud to be a footballer.

“But I saw an opportunity to work hard and make incredibly good money, with a great quality of life elsewhere.

“Real estate is a lot like football. The hardest-working people and most professional will always come out on top. I am on zero wage and commission only. Every day is vital and I thrive on that pressure.

“I see my future in America for sure. I love the way of life and diversity of each place and state, and I couldn't imagine living in England again.

“I will definitely be a realtor for life and could never imagine doing anything else ever again. I love it.”