PARTY-LOVING Royston Drenthe was reportedly warned off joining Everton due to the “temptations” on Merseyside.
Drenthe, 37, was once one of world football’s top youngsters after impressing at Feyenoord.
It earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2007, who at that time boasted a squad featuring Galacticos including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben and Raul.
But after winning LaLiga in his first season, Drenthe struggled with injuries and inconsistent form.
After three years he was shipped out to Hercules on loan.
And in 2011 Drenthe, who had gained a reputation as a party boy at Real, then completed a short-term move to Everton.
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He went on to score four goals in 27 games for the Toffees before joining Russian side Alania on a permanent deal.
But ahead of his Goodison Park move, Drenthe was told to reject Everton’s advances by a Dutch pal who also played for the Merseyside club.
Andy van der Meyde, 45, was at Everton for four season between 2005 and 2009.
He only ended up making 24 appearances in total due to injuries and off-field issues.
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And after hearing Drenthe was on the verge of following in his footsteps, Van der Meyde rang his friend before delivering a passionate voicemail message urging him to snub the switch.
Dutch outlet HP De Tijd claims Van der Meyde said: “Royston, I hear that you are on your way to Everton.
“Don’t do it, boy, I beg you, don’t do it.
“Liverpool has too many temptations for guys like us. Before you know it you will dragged into the nightclubs.
“There Bacardi flows and you can ski on cocaine; and the women, Royston. Oh man, oh man, oh man.
“Those British women with their short skirts…”
Drenthe clearly ignored his mate’s warning but Everton were not keen on making his loan permanent.
After a short spell in Russia, Drenthe returned to English football with Reading and Sheffield Wednesday.
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He later had spells in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
And Drenthe retired in 2022 after playing for Real Murcia.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
