But as Rodrigues puts a phalanx of seven- and eight-year-olds through their paces thousands of miles away in Asia, all that matters is he’s still involved in football.
He’s now 39 and looking towards the next stage of a meandering playing career that has led him from the Brazilian leagues, through Russia, Finland, South Korea and ultimately, Hong Kong.
Rodrigues, or Jorgito as he’s known, is one of hundreds of players who have taken the road less traveled, turning out in obscure leagues for even more obscure teams, just happy to be making a living from the sport they love.
Coaching kids is a new thing for Rodrigues, to supplement the dwindling appearances for his current team, second-tier Citizen AA.
Alongside some other professionals from Hong Kong’s modest football league structure, Rodrigues has founded a business passing on his and his partners’ not-inconsiderable skills, honed over nomadic careers.
The January transfer window has now slammed shut and some of Europe’s biggest teams have concluded headline-grabbing deals — such as Gabriel Paulista’s move from Spanish side Villareal to London’s Arsenal, or teen sensation Martin Odegaard’s transfer to Real Madrid from Norwegian club Stromsgodset.
–
Adaptability
“When you first come in you’re trying to get your head around the food, the language; you’re trying to learn China because it’s such a different culture. Once you’ve started adapting and understanding, it’s a very beautiful place to be. China’s very livable once you understand it.”
Harbin Yiteng may not be up there alongside the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, but Hughes is proud of his journey and where he’s ended up.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve been lucky. I worked extremely hard to be where I am and I’ve put everything into the game.
“What I’ve got out of my career so far has definitely been out of hard work and doing a little bit extra. If you’ve got the passion for it, a little bit of ability and work ethic and you can make a living out of football.”
