Gary Neville, a prominent figure in football, has decided to step back from his role at Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, as revealed recently. The former Manchester United captain has been notably absent this season, with Jamie Carragher taking the lead punditry role in his place. Neville has been engrossed in projects in the United States, including working with NBC on their live Premier League coverage. He shared in an interview on the Overlap US YouTube channel that he no longer does set-pieces for Monday Night Football and elaborated on his shift towards different endeavours.
Apart from his football punditry, Neville has delved into various business ventures outside the realm of football. As a former Premier League champion celebrated for his time at United, Neville has amassed a significant fortune from his playing days. His investments in property and hotels, including co-owning Hotel Football overlooking Old Trafford, have significantly contributed to his wealth. Additionally, Neville holds a stake in League Two club Salford City along with other members of the Class of 92, such as Ryan Giggs and David Beckham. He has extended his business interests into construction, hospitality, and a digital creative agency, with an estimated net worth of around £70 million. His role on Sky’s Monday Night Football and Super Sunday reportedly earns him over £1 million.
On a personal note, Gary Neville met his wife Emma Hadfield in 2004 while playing for Manchester United. The couple got married in 2007 and share two daughters, Molly and Sophie. While they previously resided in a mansion near Bolton, they have since moved to central Manchester. Emma, who has a background in holistic therapy, is now a qualified counsellor and menopause coach, offering support online for women facing similar challenges. Neville publicly expressed his pride in Emma’s initiatives on social media, highlighting her efforts in creating a community for women’s menopause and wellness.
Despite his esteemed status as a football pundit, Neville has faced moments of controversy for his outspoken opinions. Last season, he received backlash for remarks about Nottingham Forest, prompting Sky Sports to issue an apology. His candid commentary on Forest’s grievances with refereeing decisions led to a statement from Sky Sports addressing the potential offensiveness of his language and ensuring that such terms would not be used in future coverage. The incident highlighted Neville’s unreserved approach to voicing his views in the football domain.
In conclusion, Gary Neville’s decision to step away from Sky Sports marks a new chapter in his career, as he explores opportunities beyond traditional football punditry. With a blend of successful business ventures, a supportive family life, and a reputation for frank commentary, Neville continues to make his mark in the world of sports and entrepreneurship.