Ex-Chelsea, Southampton and England left-back Ryan Bertrand, 35, is now running an agency for players which represents Levi Colwill and Armando Broja, among others
Former Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand is determined to find the next Sadio Mane as he embarks on his new career path since retiring.
Bertrand officially called time on his playing career in June, but had been without a club since leaving Leicester the previous summer. The left-back came through at Chelsea and spent time on loan with several other clubs before spending the majority of his career at Southampton.
He helped Chelsea win the Champions League final in 2012 and also lifted the FA Cup with the Blues, who sent him on loan to Bournemouth, Oldham, Norwich, Reading, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. Bertrand won 19 caps for England during a 17-year professional career, which he feels set him up perfectly for his current pursuit.
The 35-year-old previously founded fintech brokerage Silicon Markets with his business partner Louis Bell in 2015, but the duo are now focused on their player agency FA Sport. They represent Chelsea star Levi Colwill and Everton striker Armando Broja, among others, and Bertrand thinks his experiences gives him a unique insight into what his clients are going through.
“When the day comes [to retire] it isn’t always graceful, I always wanted the opportunity to finish when I wanted to finish,” he told The Daily Mail. “It got to the point where I was almost looking forward to retirement.
“Instead of incubating myself in the football world and locking myself away from the real world, I always had the balance. I could occupy my mind into the business world that would prepare me for the next step. Footballers should find the time to expand their mindset with what’s happening in the wider world. Football’s big but the world is far bigger.”
Bertrand has been operating in the area for some time and recommended Moises Caicedo and Josko Gvardiol to Premier League sides when they were both available for under £5million. The duo have connections at Chelsea, having played a role in the appointment of Joe Shields as the club’s co-director of recruitment and talent.
Their next venture is to build a development centre in Africa, with the aim of benefiting the local community, as well as scouting for talent. “There’s much talent in Africa, we really want to be part of Africa’s development in a sporting context,” said Bertrand.
“Developing sports in Africa so people and communities can harness the social and economic benefits that a robust sports landscape can provide. Can we give youngsters a career in football in Europe and beyond? Can we find the next Sadio Mane?”
For the time being, the focus will be on the January transfer window, when the business comes to life. “Winning the Champions League was massive for me and it gets bigger the more time passes,” Bertrand reflected. “But being in the business space it’s you versus everyone – but now you get to decide your purpose.”
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