Former Real Madrid forward Royston Drenthe has revealed he now has a new career as a self-employed healthcare worker back in the Netherlands.
After his initial breakthrough at Feyenoord, Drenthe got his dream transfer to the Bernabeu in 2007 as a 20-year-old and went on to make 65 appearances for the Spanish giants prior to a loan move to Everton for the 2011-12 season.
After further spells in Russia, Turkey, the UAE and Spain, Drenthe has returned to his homeland and has opened up on his new life in the health industry.
'My entire family has always been in care,' Drenthe told NOS.
'Aunt Helen is a nurse. My mother and aunt work in healthcare. A few years ago I already thought: "Why don't I also do training and courses and see what that does to me?"'
Drenthe has previously admitted he partied too much during the early stages of his career, and he has experienced difficult periods in recent years after being declared bankrupt in 2020 following a failed move into rap music and acting.
But he has now found something he is passionate about having taken on a role that includes working with patients on a dementia ward, and believes this has helped him become a better person.
'There was an old lady who was scaring off the fellow clients. She was a bit aggressive. That's where I guide,' Drenthe said as he explained his role on the dementia ward.
'Because I see a whole different side of the world, it helps me become a better person in this society.
'I've always been used to the glamour in football. I worried a lot at the end of my career.
'The fact that you know what you want to do, but the moment you start something you wonder if this is really what you want. I think that's because you can't quite let go of football yet. It goes in steps.'
Drenthe turns 36 on Saturday and has been without a club since leaving Spain last August.
He has been training with Dutch amateur club Kozzakken Boys, though, and has admitted he still wants 'another year' in the sport before hanging up his boots for good.