I’m a former Real Madrid star and party animal, but now I’m giving back to society by caring for dementia sufferers
ROYSTON DRENTHE has turned his back on his bad-boy ways to take care of those suffering from dementia.
The former Real Madrid and Everton star, 35, famously claimed he thought he was "God" during his partying days as a player.
The Dutch full-back burst on to the scene at the 2007 Under-21 Euros - where he was named Player of the Tournament as Holland beat England in the final - and moved to Real that summer.
But, Drenthe admits his love or partying hindered his career as he became a journeyman flop.
The Dutchman still harbours footballing ambitions but has gone self-employed to help others by taking care of dementia sufferers.
Drenthe told : "My entire family has always been in care... Aunt Helen is a nurse. My mother and aunt work in healthcare.
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"A few years ago I already thought: 'Why don't I also do training and courses and see what that does to me?'
"I've always been used to the glamour in football... I worried a lot at the end of my career.
"The moment you start something you wonder if this is really what you want. I think that's because you can't quite let go of football yet. It goes in steps.
"I see a whole different side of the world. It helps me become a better person in this society."
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Drenthe started his new career off the pitch by working in a home for people suffering from dementia.
But the former Everton man admits it was tough at times.
He said: "There was an old lady who was scaring off the fellow clients. She was a bit aggressive.
"That's where I would help."
Despite his new life away from football, Drenthe admits the lure of football may be too much to turn down.
He has worked his way back to full fitness with amateur side Kozakken Boys and hopes to play for them next season in Holland's third tier.
Drenthe revealed: "I still feel like playing another year."
Most-recently, the one-cap Holland ace played for Kozakken Boys between 2019 and 2021 before stints in Spain with Murcia and Racing Merida.
He kicked off his career at Feyenoord before his youth international heroics saw Real Madrid come knocking in 2007.
After early success, Drenthe slipped down the pecking order and was loaned out to Hercules and Everton.
He admitted: "You have a life as a footballer and a life as a human being - you can mix that to a point, but I didn't see the need to change my lifestyle right away.
"Now I am aware that I didn't do the right thing, that I made mistakes... I wasn't ready to be a pro.
"I thought I was God, loved women and to party too much and you can't combine that with football."
In 2012, Drenthe was sold permanently to Russian side Alania Vladikavkaz.
He returned to England with Reading in 2013 and endured a tough loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
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Drenthe then bounced around Turkey, the Middle East and Europe - even briefly going on hiatus as he looked for a more settled home.
Now back in Holland with Kozakken Boys, Drenthe hopes his new outlook on life can give him some late success on the pitch.