'cause that's not bullshit is it . There are external issues that play a part too like being able to find a house, having your family settled with schools, possibly being separated from long time friends or family members etc.
I was actually just trying to find an old (really old) article that examined how footballers were treated by new clubs.
Liverpool have been in the lead when it comes to helping players settle, providing help with housing, schools, restaurants, the whole lot, by using "companions" or "fixers" for players arriving from other clubs.
Some might say that moving within the prem means players don't need that kind of help, but consider the fact that united paid an incredible amount for a young player (Rooney) then basically left him to his own devices in a hotel, in a city he didn't know, and with teammates who all lived miles away.
This was very common at one time, and may still be amongst certain clubs, but we recognised early that helping players with the mundane sh*t after they moved was very beneficial.
Consider again the amount paid for Rooney, and then the fact he was pretty much given a hotel key and told to get on with it.
Would any other industry treat a new asset worth tens of millions that way?
I know we see footballers as pampered prima donna's, but the reality of moving to a new city or country can be daunting for many, regardless of how much they earn.
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