In a revelation that has stunned the football world, former Premier League champion Danny Simpson has disclosed how he walked away from a staggering £35,000-per-week contract to completely reinvent his life beyond the pitch.
From Premier League Glory to Career Crossroads
The 37-year-old defender, best known for his instrumental role in Leicester City's miraculous 2015/16 Premier League title triumph, found himself at a career crossroads after his release from Bristol City in 2021. Despite having multiple offers on the table, including one particularly lucrative deal, Simpson made the courageous decision to step away from professional football entirely.
The Life-Changing Decision That Shocked Football
"I had a very good offer from a club abroad," Simpson revealed during an appearance on the Filthy Fellas podcast. "It was about £35,000 a week tax-free, but something inside me said no."
The former Manchester United academy graduate, who also represented clubs including Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers during his distinguished career, explained that the timing simply didn't feel right. Despite the financial temptation, Simpson trusted his instincts and embarked on an entirely new chapter.
Building a New Legacy Beyond Football
Since hanging up his boots, Simpson has been anything but idle. The father-of-two has thrown himself into various business ventures and media work, demonstrating the same determination that made him a Premier League champion.
"It just didn't feel right at the time," he reflected about the rejected contract. "Sometimes you have to listen to that inner voice, even when it's telling you to walk away from significant money."
A Career Worth Celebrating
During his playing days, Simpson made nearly 300 Premier League appearances, with his most memorable contribution coming during Leicester's fairytale season. His consistent performances at right-back were crucial to the Foxes' against-all-odds title victory, creating one of English football's most enduring legends.
Now, as he builds his post-football career, Simpson's story serves as an inspiring example of an athlete prioritising personal fulfilment over financial gain - a rare quality in modern professional sports.
