The former Champions League winner who played for Manchester United for 15 years has declared bankruptcy

Wes Brown, the former Manchester United defender, has opened up about his financial struggles, revealing that he has declared bankruptcy.

The 44-year-old, who spent 15 years at Old Trafford and won numerous trophies, including five Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues, made the shocking revelation in an interview with Ben Heath. Brown, who earned a reported £50,000 a week at his peak, blamed poor financial advice and a lack of support for his current situation.

"I think the main thing is that when you earn a lot of money you need the right people around you, don't you?" Brown said. "And I would say that's one of the things I didn't have."

The former England international admitted that he had made some poor investment decisions and had become involved in ventures that he didn't fully understand. "It's a long story and I won't go into details, but it's things that happened a long time ago with certain investments and getting involved in things that when you're young, a lot of people get involved in but don't really understand. It came to a head last year," he explained.

Brown's bankruptcy has raised concerns about the financial management of professional athletes and the support systems available to them. The former defender revealed that he is not alone in his struggles, saying, "I've had a lot of players message me saying 'I'm going through the same thing.' I won't say names."

A warning to others

Brown's story serves as a cautionary tale for young footballers who are earning large sums of money at a young age. It highlights the importance of having a strong support network and seeking professional financial advice.

Despite his financial troubles, Brown remains positive and is determined to move forward. He has continued to work in football as an ambassador for Manchester United and has been involved in charity work.