Arguably the greatest talent in English football, John Bostock turned down a ten-year contract with Barcelona and now plays in the fifth tier of football in his country. However, he says that he does not regret the decision.
John Bostock was a generational talent and a talent that had everyone in awe, the true future of English football.
When he was just 14, while at Crystal Palace’s youth academy, Barcelona offered him a ten-year contract. However, he refused everything and says that faith helped him make a decision.
“My family and I agreed that it would be better to stay in England and London. I am a follower of Jesus and I believe that my steps have already been determined. During those years, I was exposed to religion and thus my faith in God helped me mature quickly. The faith gave me a different perspective on my career and life in general, so I decided to stay in London,” said Bostock.
He made his debut for Crystal Palace at the age of 15 and broke the club’s record as the youngest ever player. He was bought by Tottenham, but loan spells followed where he failed to make a mark.
Step by step he changed the clubs and places where he played. He went through the USA, Belgium, France and Turkey, and played his best matches in Lens, France.
Today, at the age of 32, he plays for the amateur club Solihull Moors in the fifth category of English football. However, he says he does not regret his decision to reject Barcelona.
“I’m sure life in Barcelona would be lovely, but I met my wife here and I grew up a lot at Tottenham,” added Bostock.
Born in London, Bostock switched his sporting citizenship in the meantime and agreed to play for Trinidad and Tobago, his country of origin, but did not make his debut there either. /Football Match Up/
