British newspapers yesterday (1/4) reported that Craig Bellamy – a former player who played for Liverpool – went bankrupt. The once famous striker now has only one watch left as a valuable asset. All of Bellamy’s other assets were either confiscated by the bank or he had to sell them to get money to pay off the debt.
According to the Daily Mail, the former Liverpool player still owes more than 1.3 million pounds (about 37 billion VND). He is living in an apartment rented by Burnley Club – where he works as an assistant coach – and no longer has his own car.
The main reason that Bellamy fell into empty-handed was the loss of investments after retiring. 10 years ago, the former Welsh player also had to divide a part of the property to his wife after a divorce.
The Daily Mail reported that Bellamy was tricked by friends and consultants when making deals. At least one of Bellamy’s consultants is being investigated by the police for the Welsh football star’s wealth management practices. This person is suspected of forging signatures, impersonating Bellamy to carry out loans, investments, property purchases and tax evasion.
“I want the other players to take this as a warning. Or check everything, make sure the people who advise you are following the rules,” Bellamy said in an interview.
“I know a lot of people guess that I lost all my money because of alcohol, gambling or drugs. Not at all. I have never touched drugs, nor gamble. I just bet on people’s hearts and had no luck.”
The former Liverpool striker admits that he is too naive and knows nothing about asset management. He describes the past 5-6 years – living with nothing and constantly having to collect debts – like death row inmates awaiting execution.
Bellamy’s biggest losses were several construction projects in London, Cardiff, a pub and a failed film production project. He was also investigated for tax evasion for 3 years.
