‘Like losing your first love’: Former Singapore footballer Adam Swandi on being forced to retire at 28

As a former footballer, the most natural progression would be a coaching job, said Adam. Other possibilities include roles in the commercial and marketing departments.

However, the 28-year-old is not ruling out a career switch to another sector beyond football.

“I think life is mysterious, as it happened a couple of months ago. It’s always going to be a mystery with the future.

“And as much as I love football and I want to stay in football … If it’s going to send me to a place where it’s not about football, then I’m still open to new opportunities,” he told CNA.

“Yes, I was a footballer. But in the end, I’m just a person, and I can do something else.

“If I have the opportunity to do something else, I definitely will, and I’m not going to shy away from new things.”

CHERISH THE MOMENTS

When asked what he would tell aspiring footballers who are deterred by the possibility that it may not always work out, Adam urged them to give their all in pursuing their dreams as there are bigger takeaways from the sport.

“My message for the younger footballers out there is definitely the same thing that I will tell to my younger self: You never know what’s going to come in the future, so you give your best in whatever that you do.

“Especially in sports, most of the time it’s your passion, so you will give your ultimate best and where it brings you, you will cherish the moments,” he said.

Even if your career has to stop at any point in time, it would not be a waste, as the experiences gained and time spent would be worth it, he added.

In a way, professional football chose him, said Adam.

About two years after turning professional at 17, he signed a two-year contract with FC Metz. That was when it dawned on him that he was pursuing football as a career.

“After a couple of years then I realised that, because when people ask me, ‘What are you doing? What are you working as?’

“I said ‘I am playing football’. Then I realised that it’s a job, and that I’ve been a professional player for a couple of years already,” he said.

“I’m really thankful that my passion turned into my job, and not really everyone can say that in their lives. So even though it’s short-lived, maybe around 10, 11, years, it has been fruitful.”