Staff Reporter
IT’S not the most commonly-trod career path once a successful footballer hangs up his boots.
But former Portugal and Real Madrid fullback Fabio Coentrao decided to eschew the customary coaching roles and stints on a television studio sofa.
Instead, after retiring at the spritely age of just 33, he decided to become a professional fisherman.
Currently three years younger than former team mate Cristiano Ronaldo who, at 39 years of age, is still playing professionally in Saudi Arabia, Coentrao now plies his trade shipside.
The ex-defender – who nearly signed for Manchester United in 2013 – bought his first boat while still at Real Madrid.
He was inspired by his father, who was a huge enthusiast with a fishing rod.
“The roots have been here since I was born,” Coentrao said.
“My father always had a boat, he was really into fishing. I used to go a lot with my father. I liked it very much.
“Whenever I had that bit of time off, whenever I was on holiday, my life was… it was the sea, it was fishing.
“And of course I knew that one day football would end, I would have to take another direction in my life.
“My happiness is this land, the sea. And obviously that being so, I want to lead this life.”
Since retirement, Coentrao has found himself running three separate fishing boats.
He has also built up a combined crew of 45, giving chances to youngsters when he can.
