‘I played for Man City but life went off the rails – I was stabbed and ended up in prison’

Daniel Warrender came through the Manchester City academy, but his life took a different turn as he was stabbed on two separate occasions and also spent time in prison before turning his life around

Former Manchester City hopeful Daniel Warrender was visibly emotional as he recounted his harrowing experiences of being imprisoned and surviving two stabbings.

The 38-year-old, who rose through the ranks at the Premier League club and inked a pro contract in 2005, ultimately departed for Blackpool after just one year without making a first-team appearance for City. Warrender’s subsequent career in Non-League football was then overshadowed by his personal life challenges.

In 2010, following a Manchester derby, Warrender was stabbed outside a city centre nightclub. Although the injury was described as minor, the incident triggered a heart condition.

Battling with alcohol and drug issues, Warrender’s downward spiral led to a 15-month prison sentence in 2013 for assaulting a man in a Stockport nightclub. Despite being labelled a “decent, hard working man” by the judge, it was noted that he had drunk “a skin-full” prior to the altercation, reports the Manchester Evening News.

A second stabbing on New Year’s Eve in 2017 resulted in a punctured lung and kidney for Warrender, who suffered multiple stab wounds. He courageously opened up about these dark chapters during an appearance on the ‘I Had Trials Once Podcast’.

He said: “I’ve been at Manchester City, decent little prospect whatever. And then within two years I was in prison for various violent offences and drugs and drink, whatever, you name it, I’ve done it. I was stabbed on two different occasions and hospitalised a total of nine times. But that was normal life to me.”

Warrender has since completely changed his life’s direction and is now a proud father to George, who is following in his footsteps at the Man City academy, playing for the Under-11 youth team. “But now I’m on the Uefa B course. I’ve got two beautiful kids. One of them is a superstar at City,” he proudly stated.

As he spoke about his deep sense of gratitude for being able to help children through football, Warrender couldn’t hold back his tears. Overwhelmed with emotion, he confessed: “I’ve got my own coaching pitch, which I own outright… sorry I’m going again,” as he struggled to speak through his tears.

“I told you I cry all the time. But now, honestly, when kids give me a thank you and that, I’m in the house with my missus crying. But I love it.”

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