Love Island's Tom Clare makes 'tough decision' about football career
He's quit Macclesfield FC
Just weeks after announcing his split from Love Island girlfriend Samie Eilish, Winter Islander Tom Clare has announced another major change in his life, revealing he's made the tough decision to quit football.
Tom, who had a contract with Macclesfield FC, took to Instagram over the weekend to thank the team and their owners, revealing he has 'too many opportunities he cannot turn down' in London.
He wrote: '@thesilkmen Where do I start… this club has been right behind me throughout everything, the most I’ve ever enjoyed my football has been at this special club, the good times are unmatched and we’ve created memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.
'The decision for me to leave has been my decision and has been so tough, but now in my life there’s just too many opportunities that I just cannot turn down and moving down to London plays a huge part in that.
'To @robbiesavage8 and @smethurst1 I thank you both for being there for me no matter what and for doing things off your own backs to help me is something I will never forget, two of the most passionate, genuine guys I’ve ever met, you guys deserve the best and I’m sure you will both go on to do great things❤️
'To the fans I thank you for shouting my name week in week out, and getting the stadium bouncing every single game, you fans have been through a lot but the only way is up! keep supporting the lads and I will come to as many games as I can.
'To the lads, I will miss the banter on and off the pitch🤣 you’re a top set of lads and it’s been one of the best changing rooms I’ve ever been in, I wish you all the best in your careers!
'Football is my passion and has been in me since I could walk, I don’t see it as a job. For the time being I’m taking a step back to focus on other things, but I will never quit football and will keep myself is the best possible shape throughout all of this,
'@thesilkmen Thankyou! #UTS đź’™
'TC9 ⚽️'. (sic)
Fans and people associated with the club were quick to comment. One wrote: '❤️❤️❤️ good luck pal. Will be missed by everyone at the club', with another adding: 'Goal scoring machine will be missed 💙'.
A third wrote: 'Really gutted to see you go Tom can't lie but the fact you've great opportunities outside football is excellent you'll smash it no doubt thankyou for everything unreal man you are đź’™'. (sic)
Another commented: 'Got to take these great opportunities whilst you can bro! 🔥❤️'. (sic)
Check out which Love Island stars did return to their day jobs after the show:
Dr Alex George
Dr Alex George is probably now best known for being the country's Mental Health Ambassador. He starred on Love Island in 2018, taking a sabbatical from his job as an A&E doctor to try and find love. He returned to his old job just weeks after returning from the villa and has gone on to use his platform for good ever since.
Greg O'Shea
Love Island 2019 winner Greg O'Shea, who won the show alongside Amber Gill, was a law student and a rugby player before he became a reality star. In 2020, he returned to his sport and competed in the Tokyo Olympics but announced he was retiring from the sport after the games.
Anna Vakili
Anna left her job as a pharmacist to appear on Love Island in 2019. After the show, Anna joined her co-stars and explored her career as an influencer. However, in 2020, she decided to return to her medical background during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Priya Gopaldas
Priya entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell in the 2021 series and stood out in her entry VT because she was a 5th year medical student. Since leaving the show, Priya has championed the NHS and didn't think twice about continuing her journey to becoming a doctor. In March 2023, she shared the wonderful news that she passed her finals and is now officially a Doctor!
Amber Davies
Love island 2017 winner Amber was studying musical theatre before she entered the villa. Instead of becoming a full time reality star, Amber landed her dream West End role in 9 to 5: The Musical in 2019. In 2022, she's starred in a lead role in Bring It On, a musical adaptation of the 2000 teen film.
Faye Winter
Love Island 2021 star Faye Winter hasn't been out of the villa very long, but she has already revealed plans to go back to her job as a lettings manager by launching her own property company.
Georgia Townend
Georgia may have only been in the Love Island villa for less than 72 hours, but she's been making a HILARIOUS impact on social media ever since. Aside from her hilarious posts and Tik Toks, Georgia has also returned to her old marketing role at LIDL Head Office.
Paige Thorne
Paige won our hearts as she appeared in the 2022 series of Love Island, introducing herself as a Paramedic from Swansea. In September 2022, just months after finishing in fifth place on Love Island, Paige took to her Instagram to show off her uniform as she prepared to return to being a Paramedic!
However, although Paige was all set to return, she recently revealed she wasn't allowed back due to posting pictures in her bikini online.
Coco Lodge
2022 Casa Amor bombshell Coco Lodge certainly made an impact when she appeared on the show. Shortly after leaving the island, Coco returned to her former job of selling shots inside clubs. Featuring in the Channel 4 documentary Untold: Life After Love Island, Coco revealed how due to brand deal money taking a while to come in, she needed to return to being a shot-girl to pay rent.
Jacques O'Neill
After having his contract terminated so he could take part in Love Island 2022, Islander Jacques O'Neill re-signed for the professional rugby club in May 2023.
Tom Clare
Just weeks after leaving the Love Island: All Stars villa as a winner alongside Molly Smith, Tom Clare announced he'd re-signed for football club Macclesfield FC. Sharing the news on Instagram, Tom told fans: 'Back home ⚽️💙'.
Sanam Harrinanan
After winning Winter Love Island in 2023, social worker Sanam Harrinanan announced in August 2024 that she was heading back to her day job, revealing she's completed her new qualified year as a social worker.
Kai Fagan
Sanam's Love Island fiancé Kai Fagan also announced he'd returned to his day job as a PE Teacher in September 2024. He told fans on Instagram: 'First, week back working in Education 📚👨🏽‍🏫 I've always said I'd return and after the whirlwind of the last few years now is the perfect time🙌🏾
'I was offered a role to work part-time teaching Sports and I jumped at the opportunity. This allows me to continue to do everything I'm currently doing but also provides me with the opportunity to follow my passion and continue my career in education.
'I've always believed that in life you should aim to make a positive impact on others. This is why I pursued my career, so I can be impactful in education and help young people to fulfil their potential, whilst achieving their dreams.
'Being a teacher is something that I worked extremely hard for studying for 5 years, whilst balancing my own education with Rugby and Work'.
The announcement comes just weeks after Tom shocked fans by revealing he'd split from Love Island girlfriend Samie Eilish.
The pair, who finished in second place during this year's Winter series behind winners Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan, announced the news on social media, with Tom writing: 'Didn't think I'd be writing this but me & Samie have gone out separate ways... we are still on good terms & I have nothing by love & respect for her. I'm gutted it's come to an end but I truly wish Samie the best ❤️'. (sic)
Samie later addressed the split in a YouTube video, where she also opened up about tests she's currently undergoing after finding a lump on her thyroid.
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