Despite all its imperfections and shortcomings, the fascinating sport of football never fails to astonish. From an incredible goal, an unforeseen outcome, a contentious trade, or a startling disclosure, the unpredictability of football fuels our fervor for the sport. The first month of 2010 saw the world of football offering a plethora of surprises that shocked the English league. From the remarkable win of Leeds United at Old Trafford to the John Terry scandal that surfaced over the past week, this sport's capacity to keep all involved - from players, supporters, and especially agents - on edge is unparalleled by any other.
A football agent's task is to respond to unexpected situations and seize the chances presented. We had one such opportunity last week when, based on information from a source in Spain, we rushed to a Premier League team's train
...ing facility with the intent of engaging with a young Spanish trainee. Upon receiving the call, we had no idea about the exciting journey it was initiating. This experience led us through a rapid and illuminating immersion into an aspect of agency life that fans seldom witness.
Building relationships is a critical aspect of an agent's role, yet it becomes tremendously challenging when the player speaks no English, and your Spanish skills amount to ordering a couple of beers and paella. The situation calls for a multitude of gestures and raised volumes that mirror an English tourist at a Spanish eatery, only this time, replacing the menu with an FA contract. We solved this communication issue by hiring a translator, eventually reaching an agreement with the player. Presently, we are organizing trials to highlight his undeniable skill.
Stressing
enough the crucial role an agent plays in ensuring the client comprehends that the agent is working for them, not vice versa, is impossible. Our tireless efforts to connect with elite clubs nationally, arranging meets with managers, and relocating the player along with his mother within London has been illustrating this. Numerous instances have arisen where the language difference has posed a serious hurdle and critical details have been misunderstood and lost in translation, risking damaging the relationship.
Regardless, within a week of our efforts to keep the athlete satisfied, arranging lodging, trials, meetups, and transportation in conjunction with the athlete's determination to perform in our nation have transitioned us from being merely acquaintances to seeming like a close-knit family. The chapter of our journey in Spain has just kicked off, but we remain optimistic that the relationship will blossom and the player will enjoy a lengthy and triumphant career. However, we comprehensively understand that the world of football isn't definitive, and one miscommunication can completely alter the situation.
The agent's responsibilities involve adhering to their mandate and establishing a loyal, trustworthy connection with the player, regardless of any hindrances on the road to achievement. Despite popular negative beliefs, not all agents are untrustworthy. To a novice athlete entering the challenging world of professional football, Mr. Ten Percent could serve multiple roles including mentor, philosopher, and paternal figure. As we approach the peak of the January transfer window, it's not surprising that football agents are often criticized. While many label them as sleazy and selfish intermediaries, there is another perspective to consider.
Agents are crucial for numerous juvenile players whose parents lack the necessary education to assist
them in making optimal career choices. If my father had possessed the required intelligence, he could have served as my agent. However, he's an electrician, necessitating external assistance from the onset to navigate my career correctly. I enlisted my initial agent, Eric Walters, when I was 16 years old. During that period, his establishment was quite small, and he also worked as a cab driver with a black car. This elicited laughter from other Arsenal players as he hadn't established himself significantly in the field.
Folk often humorously asked me, "Where is your father Eric?" due to his racial background. He would arrive in his cab, and despite criticism from others, he used to retort, "I have no interest in lavish appearances". What set him aside was his powerful ethical beliefs and his ambition to offer quality service to footballers. During my time at Wolves, West Brom tried to poach me. They impressed with their aesthetically pleasing gameplay and members, including Jason Koumas. The team wanted me to transfer in January to assist them in their promotion endeavor. However, when they contacted Eric, he advised me to stay put and focus on the game. He wholeheartedly refrained from engaging in any unlawful activities.
He encompassed the roles of an intermediary, a counselor, and a thinker, all in one persona. Even at the odd hour of one in the morning, you could contact him if you had issues with your partner or if your vehicle had a mishap. He would willingly step out of his house to provide assistance. His affection and concern for me was genuine, and he still holds a paternal role in my life. Presently,
I am in the process of seeking a new team once more. If I am successful, this would be my tenth team transfer in as many years. Reflecting on the past, I understand how many of the mistakes I have committed in my career stemmed from not heeding Eric Walters' advice.
"He advised me, 'Rohan, don't hop from one agent to another, be loyal to one and have faith in them,' and indeed, he was correct,” he told me. Nevertheless, I diverted from Eric as I doubted his ability to secure the finest deal for me; since him, I estimate that I've switched amongst about 10 different agents. The rationale behind leaving him was his tendency to dictate things that conflicted with my desires. He would guide me on financial matters: how to allocate my funds, what acquisitions to make and to avoid, and who I should avoid spending for. However, for a young lad originating from humble beginnings and entrusted with wealth, the last thing you'd want is someone controlling how you use your money. My desire was to indulge my companions. I yearned for them to bask in the privilege along with me.
My intention was to leverage my earnings to enable them to access specific circles and encounter particular individuals, as well as to experience a certain lifestyle. However, I came to the bitter comprehension too late that the arrangement was solely unilateral. The moment I ceased playing for higher-end clubs with substantial salaries, all those who I thought were my friends vanished...Following Eric, I've encountered scammers, swindlers, and even agents who would ignore my calls. One vital lesson I've gleaned is the
importance of procuring a reliable agent early on. Seek an agent who understands and believes in you. Maintain a solid relationship with this individual because stability is essential in football.
