The Liverpool FC legend has explained the impact about the abuse he faced during his career in a new interview on The Smith Brothers: Not A Podcast
The Liverpool FC legend has explained the impact about the abuse he faced during his career in a new interview on The Smith Brothers: Not A Podcast
Robbie Fowler shared an emotional admission as he opened up on the abuse he faced during his playing days. The Liverpool FC legend was the latest guest on the Smith Brothers: Not A Podcast.
The 50-year-old shared stories from his life and career in the wide ranging interview with the Scouse boxing brothers. Fowler was quizzed on his goal celebration against Everton in 1999 when he got on his hand and knees and pretended to snort the goal line in front of the Blues supporters in the away end at Anfield.
The striker explained the celebration was in response to scurrilous rumours that were spread around the city that he used drugs. Fowler hit back at the harmful accusations in the interview released today as he explained he knows all too well about the devastating harm drugs can cause.
After a game when he scored one of his most iconic goals against Bran Bergen in 1997, which saw him audaciously flick the ball over the defenders head before smashing home, Fowler was told the tragic news that his cousin had died from drug use.
The famous number nine said this personal reason is why he has always had an anti drugs stance. He said: “Everyone was made up about the goal. I came home to one of my cousins had passed away through drugs. I got to the point where people were writing smack head on my wall.”
Fowler was emotional as he explained the rumours were spread to such an extent that it impacted his family life.
He said: “It used to really hurt me and upset me. It got to the point where my dad said to me, ‘I’m hearing that many rumours that you’re on drugs, are you?’ My dad has passed away now.
“I have to stop myself from crying here. It’s one of them where my dad said, ‘Are you?’ and I said, ‘I can’t believe you’ve asked me that?’ He said, ‘Sorry son, I won’t ask you again.'”
Fowler said he still has to face the abuse today and it is something that always weighs heavy on mind. He said: “Even now, I go on social media now and I get mullered.”
He added: “If I go out now, I don’t go the toilet. I’m the best in the world at holding my wee. I know if I go to the toilet, then people are watching me.”
The Smith brothers, who include Paul, Stephen, Liam and Callum, supported Fowler as they said they’ve also had to deal with such false claims.
The interview with Fowler also sees the legendary striker discuss his upbringing in the city, his Liverpool FC career and what is coming next. Fowler is a successful businessman and also runs the Robbie Fowler Education Football Academy.
He also harbours dreams of going back into management, as he said: “I love the game. I have various businesses outside, but I’m not interested in talking about that to anyone. If you start talking to people about that, people might think you’re doing the wrong sort of thing.”
He added: “Everywhere I’ve been [to manage], I’ve done OK. Every team I’ve been with, I’ve left them in a better place. I’m not stupid. I need a little bit of luck. You need a bit of luck in anything you do. I’d back myself. I’d bring the best out of any culture.
“I’m still waiting. I was willing to go out of my comfort zone [for manager jobs in Thailand, Australia, India and Saudi Arabia] to show everyone how willing I am, but I think it’s backfired a little bit. We all know out of sight, out of mind.”
You can watch the full version of Robbie Fowler’s interview on the Smith Brothers: Not A Podcast here
