WHEN Cristiano Ronaldo moved out of his Cheshire home, Andrew Wells and his team were there to oversee everything.
While as soon as Man Utd defender Diogo Dalot had ordered a £250,000 Ferrari, it was Wells, again, who was there to make sure it was delivered to him safely without any bother.
In 2011, the entrepreneur, 50, set up Premier Relocation after moving a few high-profile footballers and their expensive possessions into stunning mansions and luxury apartments.
Since then, his company has snowballed – becoming the go-to for the world’s best, including Bruno Fernandes, Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland – who all feature on their Instagram as happy customers.
Offering more than just being a removal service, Wells and his team are on hand to relieve the stress many stars have of relocating, including helping them set up their bills.
While Andy and his team have had younger players ask them to stay and play PlayStation with them, to combat any fears of loneliness.
Premier Relocation count a host of Premier League clubs as clients, and have opened up offices in Barcelona and Madrid.
Their overseas operation even facilitated Phil Neville’s move to Miami.
Speaking to SunSport, Wells said: “I heard so many stories from players who were not happy with the services they were provided by other companies.
“So, listening to them, I worked out what they needed and we put a business together to serve their needs.
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“When we set up, we went to several clubs and told them what we do, and now have many in the Premier League and in Europe as customers.
“Sports agents too, including Joshua Barnett, have also been great contacts for us to establish our name in the industry.
“It’s helped us grown into what it is today. Now we get calls from players, clubs their wives, or get recommendations from other concierge services that have relationships with Premier League stars.”
Footballers have expensive tastes, which leaves Wells the task of having to move their prized possessions.
This could include anything from a £300,000 Lamborghini to a PlayStation.
“All players are different,” Wells said.
“But many do have the trappings of a Premier League footballer.
“Designer clothing, expensive art work, their extensive car collection, trophy collection, international caps and even their pets have been trusted with us.
“I have personally driven a Lamborghini for a move – which was an amazing experience.
“On the other hand, we could move a 17-year-old who has been sent to another club on loan and all he takes is his suitcase, TV and games console.”
Working with youngsters, though, is very important to Wells for two reasons.
First, it’s an investment for the future. When that player potentially establishes himself, has a family and moves further along with his career – Premier Relocation will see that journey all the way through.
Second, they help footballers combat loneliness, especially when they travel to foreign countries, don’t know anyone, or speak the language.
“We want to be on speed dial for all the players,” Wells divulged.
“And we want to be with them all the way through their professional career.
“There are times when I’ve felt very sorry for young players who move abroad, and they don’t know anyone and don’t speak the language.
“Some of the guys have had younger players ask them to stay and play PlayStation with them.
“You just want to help them when they are feeling that vulnerable.
“Also, we can help them in setting up their bills – picking up the phone if they don’t speak the language.”
Premier Relocation have to work quick to meet the needs of the modern game – with footballers moving clubs on a regular basis, around the UK and overseas.
They collaborate with Samsung – the only moving company to have a partnership with an electronics giant – so they can offer products from the company and set them up before a footballer arrives at the home.
Wells revealed: “We can put TVs in every room, thanks to a deal we have with Samsung, and we’re happy to set that up for them.
“The moment they arrive, everything is in working order.”
On transfer deadline day, football fans are glued to social media and Sky Sports News to find out who moves where and when.
Incredibly, Wells is privy to that information before it’s even announced .
“More often than not we know about transfers before they’ve happened,” he explained.
“Obviously, we are very discreet about that – but it puts us in a very privileged position.”
Wells new brainchild, and a separate business, helps footballers integrate into their clubs when they don’t speak English.
“It’s a translation service for clubs and players – and we’ve already got a few players signed up,” he explained.
“If you have a lad who comes to our country who can’t speak English, we put a translator on the training pitch with him so he can communicate easier with his coaches.
“That just allows them to settle much more quickly on our shores.”
Another idea Wells wants to offer are workshops for players – designed to help them build their credit and understand how to avoid debt.
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“We want to make sure players are protected, some clubs do it in house, some don’t,” he said.
“All the players across the board deserve the same service. And that’s why we are here – to look after them.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
