Jonjo Shelvey has suggested levels of theft in London was a factor in his his decision to move to Dubai as he said: “I don't want my children growing up in England any more”.
The former Premier League star, 33, has joined Arabian Falcons, who currently play in the third-tier of the United Arab Emirates’ football pyramid.
Originally from Romford, Shelvey played for the footballing giants such as Liverpool, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
He then had stints at Turkish Süper Lig sides Çaykur Rizespor and Eyüpspor, before departing the UK last month following a short stint at Burnley.
In an interview with BBC Sport he suggested a “fresh start” appealed to him after growing concerned with life in Britain.
He told the broadcaster: “If I’m honest, I don’t want my children growing up in England any more. We’re very lucky that we lived in a nice part of the UK but where I’m from, originally, you can’t have nice things in my opinion. I’d never wear a watch in London any more. You can’t have your phone out in London, in my view.”
Fears over theft of expensive items in London’s streets have surged in recent years, while there have beena number of celebrity victims of theft.
Mobile phone thefts rose to a record number of over 116,000 last year, while according to a recent survey by global database The Watch Register, nearly half of luxury watch owners in the UK feel nervous about wearing one in public for fear of it being stolen.
This trend has accelerated since the coronavirus pandemic, as thieves have shifted from targeting businesses to individuals.
Last December, a thug broke into the Primrose Hill mansion of socialite influencer Shafira Huang, making off with £10 million of diamond jewellery, including rare pieces from De Beers, Chopard and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Earlier this year, Brittny Ward, the wife of former Formula One world champion Jenson Button, spoke out about how “unsecure” she feels London is after her suitcase carrying £250,000 worth of jewellery and designer handbags was nicked outside St Pancras International station.
And Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who owns Manchester United football club, has said he refuses to wear a watch in the city because he is scared he will be mugged.
Westminster is the most targeted borough for jewellery theft and saw more than 1,596 reported incidents in 2023/24 — nearly double second placed Kensington and Chelsea, at 810.
Shelvy, who shares three children with wife Daisy Evans, the former S Club 8 singer, stressed that his switch to the Middle East was driven by necessity and not money.
Shelvey, who started his professional career at Charlton Athletic, wishes the country had remained as it was “10 to 15 years ago”.
“I see people getting arrested for tweeting and, then, all of the flags and ‘Taking back the country’,” he added.
Shelvy recently went viral on social media after missing a penalty in a match against Al Fath at the Jebel Ali Shooting Club in front of just 100 fans.
🇦🇪 Jonjo Shelvey made his first start for UAE third-tier side Arabian Falcons. He captained his side to a 1-0 win but also missed this penalty. A moment he will want to forget #nufc #nffc pic.twitter.com/pImniN6Jte
— English Players Abroad (@EnglishAbroad1) October 5, 2025
Shelvey, who earnt six caps for the Three Lions, is working for his coaching badges while he plays abroad.
