THE Rest is Spain team welcomed a very special guest for the latest episode of the podcast – former Premier League star and Costa del Sol regular David Bentley.
The one-time wonder kid, who lit up English football in the 2000s playing for Arsenal and then (somewhat controversially) Tottenham Hotspurs, joined regulars Jon and Walt for an hour of chinwagging about life in Spain, toxic masculinity, the war in the Middle East and England’s chances in this summer’s World Cup.
One of The Olive Press’ celebrity readers thanks to his connection to Marbella and Puerto Banus celebrity hangout La Sala, Bentley tuned in from his home in Hertfordshire.
From an early age he was dubbed ‘the next David Beckham’ thanks to his wand of a right foot, the haircuts and a touch of flair – not to mention having the right initials.
And the Essex lad was generous in regaling the team with stories from his career, including having Gazza as his inspiration, dumping an ice bucket on manager Harry Redknapp live on Sky Sports, and – even more recently – sneaking into current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s office to steal his beer.
He also spoke out movingly against the online phenomenon known as the ‘manosphere’, recently brought to the small screen by Louis Theroux who followed one particular influencer around Marbella for Netflix.
“I’m speaking as a father of four, including three daughters – one of them is 17,” he told the podcast.
“Every man in this ‘manosphere’ is lying. They’re promoting an ideology or a way of being where they’re just manipulating young men to make money – it’s a Ponzi scheme.
“They sell this dream of the way to conduct yourself or the way to make money… with a subscription fee.
“They’re becoming millionaires and giving ridiculous advice on life and financial advice to young men who are struggling, who don’t have many opportunities or much money and live in different circumstances.
“I totally disagree with it, I’ve never lived my life like that.”
Despite being known as a bit of a character who’s always up for a laugh, he had some serious advice for Olive Press readers and listeners in Spain, including on finding the right advisors and gestors to manage your affairs – ‘you have to do it wherever you go’.
He also shared his hopes that Brexit – ‘the worst decision any government’s ever made’ – may one day be reversed.
As for whether he plans to return to Spain, he was fairly unequivocal.
“My children determine a lot of my movements, but we’ve got a plan to come back – could be anywhere from six to 18 months or maybe a little longer.”
As for where, he shared ‘probably between Marbella and Mallorca’.
As for why, he was also as unequivocal: “The whole place is beautiful; the culture, the people, the landscape.
“I love it, whether it’s Cadiz to Tarifa to Gibraltar, Marbella… my favourite place is San Sebastian. I love it up there, beautiful place. The food is incredible.”
He signed off the podcast with these wise words: “If you get the opportunity and you want to live in Spain, do it.
“For the lifestyle, the health, the happiness and the fun. You can’t beat Spain. And everyone that’s living there is enjoying every minute of it. And yeah – love life.”
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David Bentley’s right on a number of things. Firstly life in Spain is fabulous. Been here 23 years and no way would you get me back in U.K. to live. Secondly San Sebastián is amazing. Was there the weekend after Easter. The weather wasn’t great but the place is fantastic and lastly the food in San Sebastián is superb. But, where I live in Valencia City, the food is also absolutely amazing.