Peter Crouch, the former football star and celebrated podcaster, fondly recalls a childhood revelation about the magic of Christmas. It wasn’t a sighting of Santa, but a late-night stumble by his father that first hinted at a secret behind the festive gifts. He remembers hearing a string of colorful language at midnight, a stark contrast to the jolly image of Father Christmas.
The festive season now holds a special place in his heart, a stark contrast to his playing days. As a professional footballer, Christmas was a blur of training sessions on December 25th and back-to-back matches throughout the holiday period. Retirement allowed him to fully embrace the joy of Christmas, especially now with four young children still believing.
Christmas in the Crouch household is a vibrant affair, complete with matching pajamas and a beautifully decorated tree. It’s a scene reminiscent of beloved holiday films like “Home Alone” and “Gavin & Stacey,” a tradition he cherishes. Though, a Christmas morning pub visit with his father is also a well-established, if occasionally cautioned, ritual.
He admits, with a laugh, that he’s notoriously bad at Christmas shopping, particularly when it comes to his wife, Abbey Clancy. She’s a master of subtle hints, but he’s still managed to cause a few tears on Christmas Day with less-than-perfect gifts. It’s a running joke, a testament to their enduring love and playful dynamic.
Their story began in a nightclub, an unlikely meeting of a young footballer and a rising model. It blossomed into a twenty-year relationship built on genuine connection and a shared sense of humor. Their first date, a simple pub visit, revealed Abbey’s endearing practicality – she offered to buy him a Guinness with the ten pounds she’d received from her mother, but settled for a tap water for herself.
Abbey’s down-to-earth nature is a constant source of amusement and balance in Peter’s life. Despite her success as a model, she remains remarkably grounded and possesses a quick wit that has captivated audiences on their joint podcast, “The Therapy Crouch.” Peter marvels at how she can effortlessly shift the focus away from his football woes, offering a welcome distraction and a fresh perspective.
He fondly recounts a time when he scored a hat-trick for England at Old Trafford, only for Abbey to casually acknowledge “your goal,” prompting him to ask which one she’d actually seen. She confessed to being preoccupied with the buffet, a hilarious illustration of her disinterest in football and her prioritization of more pressing matters.
Since retiring from professional football, Peter’s career has unexpectedly flourished with the success of his podcasts. From interviewing Prince William at Kensington Palace to hosting legends like Elton John and Idris Elba, he’s found a new platform to connect with people and share his unique perspective. It’s a journey he never anticipated, a testament to his natural charisma and engaging storytelling.
His most cherished Christmas gift remains a childhood treasure: an England shell suit from the 1990 World Cup, the very one worn by Paul Gascoigne. It’s a nostalgic reminder of his early passion for the game and a symbol of the magic of Christmas past.
