Heurelho Gomes reveals he may quit football in 2019 to be a caring super-agent who puts players first
Keeper signed a Watford deal for two more years but is already assessing how to use his 'many contacts in Europe and Brazil'
HEURELHO GOMES may quit football in two years — to be a super-agent.
The Watford keeper signed a new deal in the summer until 2019 but he is already planning on life after hanging up his gloves.
And he reckons he could represent players and give advice just as he does to his team-mates at Vicarage Road.
Gomes, 36, has helped skipper Troy Deeney in the dressing room packed with foreigners — and has house-hunted with new signing Richarlison since his fellow Brazilian’s arrival.
He said: “I want to do my coaching badges even if I know I’m probably not going to be a coach.
“One of the things I could do is to bring players to clubs as I have so many contacts in Europe and Brazil.”
Gomes negotiated his latest contract himself, without help of a middleman.
The ex-Tottenham keeper found the talks simple to handle.
more watford stories
He explained: “If it was up to them, it would have been longer — but I wanted two years as things can change, even if I feel great. I know my limit in terms of time.
“I don’t think I will be happy just to be around to see things, I want to be involved.
“I am thinking about retiring in two years. Even if there is a possibility of playing in a different league, I don’t think I would go for it as I want to stop at a good level.
“I’m not the kind of guy who wants to be around just to be around — I don’t feel great being at the club just to get the money. I want to be involved.
“I wouldn’t feel fair to the club if I was on the bench.
“I’ve been a professional for 16 years and I see so many guys like this.
“Most want to play all the time but a few feel comfortable to be there with no pressure and no games, then at the end of the month you get your money.”
And if he works as a player rep, Gomes insists he would make sure he would be looking after players who were passionate about football.
most read in football
He said: “It wouldn’t be about money for me. I don’t think about that.
“I would do the same thing for a player who doesn’t give me a commission and treat them the same.
“If I am an agent, I am not going to be thinking about putting players there and leave them there — you have to think what is right for the player.”
Gomes says he is one of the enforcers of the rules at Vicarage Road, making sure the dressing room follows the club’s code.
And he has also helped Richarlison off the pitch, adding: “It is not my responsibility but I went to a few houses with him.
“His first interview with the club, I did the interview.
“I said there is a new job for me. I need to improve my contract.
“His agent and two friends are with him but they cannot speak English.
“There are people at the club who help as well but there are a few things I can advise on.
“Things like where to live, where you can live, to buy your house. You should not throw your money away on rent. These kinds of things.
“I have been here a long time to understand this kind of thing.”
Keep up to date with ALL the transfer news and gossip on our blog