Peter Crouch, the towering former footballer, offers a glimpse into his daily life, balancing the demands of family, career, and personal enjoyment, with his wife, Abbey Clancy, playing a central role. Despite his 6ft 7in frame and legendary football career, Crouch’s life, as he describes it, is grounded in relatable routines and the joys of family life with Abbey and their children.
Sleep is a precious commodity for Crouch, especially with a young family. He jokes about his “massive bed” becoming a haven for his kids, including his youngest, Johnny. While family life sometimes means interrupted sleep, particularly with a seven-month-old, he values a full night’s rest before matches, often found in the quiet of a hotel. The adrenaline of night games makes post-match sleep challenging, often requiring a beer to unwind. Reflecting on losses can keep him up until the early hours, highlighting the mental toll of professional football even for a seasoned player like Crouch.
When it comes to food, Crouch is fortunate to maintain his physique effortlessly. His diet is practical and fueling, focusing on performance rather than gourmet experiences. Breakfast at the training ground consists of omelets, porridge, and fruit, while lunch is typically chicken, pasta, and soup. Evenings are more relaxed, and here, his wife Abbey Clancy’s culinary skills come into play. Though he admits to being a “useless cook,” he appreciates Abbey’s Thai green curry or fish pie. Match days are strictly about fuel: bland chicken and pasta with minimal sauce. Post-match, the focus shifts to immediate recovery, with sports scientists encouraging players to eat whatever they crave – often leading to pizzas and nuggets after the final whistle. This pragmatic approach to diet contrasts with the more glamorous aspects of his life alongside his model wife.
Crouch’s perspective on work is refreshingly positive. He doesn’t view his football career as mere labor but as a lifelong passion. His weekly schedule is structured around training, recovery, and match preparation, a routine honed over years of professional play. While some players are known for being constantly immersed in the game, Crouch values switching off and enjoying the present moment. He acknowledges the dream-like nature of his career, feeling fortunate to still be playing professionally at 37, a sentiment likely shared and supported by his wife, Abbey Clancy, who understands the demands of a high-profile career.
Family life with Abbey and their children is clearly a priority for Crouch. Having moved clubs frequently in his 20s, he now cherishes the stability family life provides. He actively participates in family duties, like picking his eldest child up from school, a level of involvement he might have missed had he become a father earlier in his career when England and Liverpool demanded constant travel. Interestingly, Abbey Clancy’s lack of deep interest in football actually helps him disconnect from the sport when he’s at home. While Abbey is undoubtedly proud of his achievements, she brings a different perspective, even famously calling him just minutes before kick-off to ask about his whereabouts, a humorous anecdote highlighting the down-to-earth nature of their relationship.
Fun and laughter are essential components of Crouch’s life, especially shared with Abbey. He believes in balancing hard work with enjoyable release, which includes enjoying “the odd beer” and attending gigs, often related to Abbey’s brother’s band. Golf is another pastime, though he humbly describes himself as “bang average.” However, the most consistent source of fun seems to be his relationship with Abbey Clancy. He emphasizes that their relationship, even after 12 years, is still filled with laughter, suggesting a strong and joyful partnership. Peter Crouch appears to have found a successful formula for balancing the pressures of his career and the joys of family life with Abbey Clancy, making “fun pretty much nailed.”
