Jonjo Shelvey has refused to back down from his controversial assertion that he feels safer in Dubai than in London, despite Iranian missiles passing overhead and civilian deaths occurring in the UAE.
The 34-year-old former England midfielder, who recently stepped up from player to manager at Arabian Falcons, relocated his family to the Gulf state last year.
Since his arrival seven months ago, the region has become engulfed in conflict involving the USA, Israel and Iran, with hundreds of people sustaining injuries from missile and drone debris landing in populated areas.
Yet the Romford-born Shelvey said: “I still stand by what I said. I am not changing my perspective.”
Shelvey expressed his reluctance to raise his three children in the capital or Essex, where he originally hails from.
He told the Sun: “I wouldn’t want to bring my kids up back home well, not home, but back in the UK around London and Essex where I’m originally from.”
The former Premier League player was keen to stress he was not criticising his birthplace, acknowledging it shaped who he is today.
However, he believes the area has changed significantly since his youth.
Jonjo Shelvey has refused to back down from his controversial assertion that he feels safer in Dubai than in London
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GETTY
He said: “It wasn’t like that then. You could go out and be down the park or whatever with your mates or walk to the shops.”
Shelvey added that returning to Britain has not crossed his mind since the move.
He said: “I would feel more unsafe walking around London than I would being out here with missiles flying over your head.”
Shelvey praised the Emirates for their handling of the crisis, crediting authorities with ensuring residents feel protected.
An explosion occurred Dubai International Airport
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SUPPLIEDHe said: “I’m very content and happy out here and I would choose here over there any day of the week.”
The UK government currently advises against all but essential travel to the UAE until the situation stabilises.
This presents challenges for Shelvey’s new role, as Arabian Falcons harbour ambitions of attracting talent from top European leagues to the UAE’s third division, with co-owner and former Premier League player Jason Puncheon among those backing the project.
The club has set its sights on qualifying for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Shelvey has played six times for England at the senior level
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PA
Despite the travel warnings, Shelvey remains confident he can persuade players to make the move to the Gulf.
He said: “The lifestyle it offers you is fantastic. A lot of footballers come here on holiday so they sort of know that side of it anyway. Day in day out lifestyle is also fantastic.
“There are some amazing places to live. You can get around easily. And there is so much opportunity out here as well.“I don’t think it would be a problem in terms of convincing people to come out.
“If people are intrigued to come out here and play then all they need to do is reach out to me and I will tell them the truth.”