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Ryan Nelsen: Premier League, cricket crossroads & why he's never watched All Whites' 2010 World Cup back
Sport Nation •  July 29th, 2026 9:30 am
Ryan Nelsen | Photo: Photosport
Former All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen has opened up on some of the defining moments of his football career in a wide-ranging chat with Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy.
The former Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers defender discusses his journey from New Zealand to the English Premier League, captaining club and country, and the All Whites' unforgettable 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Nelsen also reveals how close he came to pursuing cricket instead of football, shares stories about playing against some of the world's greatest players, including Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, and explains why he has never watched the 2010 World Cup matches back.
The lads also discuss his transition into coaching, the challenges of managing in Major League Soccer, his work with FIFA and World Rugby since retirement, and his views on developing young athletes.
Listen to the full extended interview below:
