Following Reading's relegation back to the Championship in 2013, they were boosted by the arrival of former Real Madrid man Royston Drenthe.

Many of the second-tier side's supporters were expecting big things from him and although he showed promise in flashes, he never fulfilled his true potential and you could say that sums up his entire career.

The Dutchman looked set to become a real star following his move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2007 - but his off-field activity has arguably become just as notable as his footballing career.

 

 

Perhaps revealing the main reason for his inability to fulfil his previous potential, the winger has recently admitted he liked partying too much and wasn't ready to be a professional footballer in his earlier playing days.

In fairness to the 35-year-old, he did enjoy some memorable moments in a Reading shirt, scoring against Brighton and Hove Albion and Leeds United with his free-kick against the latter guiding the Royals to a 4-2 victory.

However, then-manager Nigel Adkins revealed in the summer of 2014 that the player was seeking a move away from the Select Car Leasing Stadium, with Sheffield Wednesday coming in during the September of that year to lure him away on loan.

He didn't exactly enjoy the best spell at Hillsborough though, scoring just once in 15 appearances with his impact being limited.

Since his time in Berkshire and South Yorkshire, he has plied his trade in Turkey, Abu Dhabi, the Netherlands and Spain - and currently plays for Racing Merida who are in the lower leagues of Spanish football.

He has also tried his hand at the music industry, business and TV commentating - so he could potentially pursue other avenues when he does decide to call time on his career in football.

Considering he previously retired in 2016, it probably won't be too difficult for him to separate himself from the world of football when the time comes for him to focus on his post-playing career.