Ex-England striker Crouch reveals Sydney FC approach

Former England international Peter Crouch revealed he 'liked the idea of living in Australia' when Sydney FC made an approach for him.

Recently-retired Crouch, 39, revealed A-League club Sydney FC held talks with him about a potential move down under in his Sportsmail column, where he answers questions sent by members of the public.

He was asked: 'Were you tempted to play abroad and did you get any firm offers?'

The towering ex-Liverpool and Tottenham striker said he was happy to live in Australia but the move never came about in the end.

"There were a few offers,' said Crouch. "Sydney FC made an approach late in my career.

"I liked the idea of living in Australia but it never materialised.
Spain's La Liga and Italy's Serie A were also on the cards at some stage, while he also thinks Wayne Rooney scuppered a move to DC United for him.

"When I was at Liverpool, Villarreal were interested and Pepe Reina told me it would be a good move (maybe he knew Fernando Torres was on his way!)," he added.

"Sampdoria and Genoa were both possibilities at one stage, too, as was DC United.

"My agent told me there was a three-year deal to live in Washington; Abbey liked the possibility of living in Washington and it was going to be all systems go.

"There was one caveat. ‘They are thinking of signing Wayne Rooney,’ I was told.

‘They’ll never get him,’ I thought. Next thing I knew, Wayne was in Washington and I was destined to stay at home.

2.01 metres-tall Crouch holds the Premier League record for most headed goals.

In addition to the Reds and Spurs, he played for Aston Villa, Southampton, Portsmouth, Stoke City and most recently Burnley in England's top flight.

He scored an impressive 22 goals in 42 caps for England, featuring prominently at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.


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2 min read
Published 1 June 2020 3:21pm
By SBS The World Game
Source: SBS

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