Tom Clare came to the Love Island villa as a Macclesfield FC player, but he’s now hanging up his boots to seek other chances.
The 23-year-old came third with Samie Elishi in March, and while their relationship did not work out (they parted just one month later), he has reaped other rewards from his participation in the ITV programme.
He has 486k Instagram followers and is eager to explore what the reality star world has in store for him.
Tom revealed his reasoning for leaving Macclesfield Town, widely known as ‘The Silkmen,’ in a long message on Instagram and Twitter.
‘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.’
@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. pic.twitter.com/Mpbq3e4ir8
— TC (@TomClare09) May 8, 2023
Tom went on to praise the supporters for ‘getting the stadium jumping every single game,’ and vowed to continue attending games.
He also thanked owner Robert Smethurst and director Robbie Savage for ‘being there for me no matter what,’ and wished his teammates ‘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. Thank you, @TheSilkmen,’ Tom concluded.
Tom has already taken advantage of his freedom from football season and yearly leave by scheduling a vacation to Ibiza with fellow islander Casey O’Gorman.
He’s also been busy with new duties as eBay’s new pre-loved ambassador and appearances on Soccer AM.
