Jermaine Pennant: Football’s Most MISUNDERSTOOD Player? — ADHD Took Me to a UCL Final

On this week’s episode of That Peter Crouch Podcast, Pete, Sids and Chris are joined by a former teammate - with spells at Arsenal, Liverpool, Stoke and Portsmouth (as well as being a long-time friend of the pod!) winger Jermaine Pennant for one of the most honest and equally hilarious conversations the pod has ever had.

Jermaine opens up about being labelled “wasted talent”, growing up with zero structure, and how a late ADHD diagnosis finally helped him understand the chaos, impulsive decisions and moments that defined his career. From becoming a £2m teenager at Arsenal to playing in a Champions League final with Liverpool, Pennant reflects on the highs, the lows, and the managers who either got the best out of him — or completely missed the mark.

The lads also dig into dressing-room dynamics, the importance of man-management, why Steve Bruce got it right, why Rafa Benítez didn’t, and how football ultimately became Jermaine’s escape from childhood trauma. There are laugh-out-loud stories (including one unforgettable pair of Liverpool boots), emotional moments, and a powerful reminder that success isn’t always as simple as trophies and appearances.

Plus, we’ve got darts chaos, Christmas plans, league twists and classic Crouchy tangents.

As always — get involved in the comments. 🎯⚽

Chumbawamba 

00:00 – Welcome back & Sids’ birthday chaos

02:45 – Four-day celebrations and golf madness

05:12 – Christmas elves, parenting panic & festive pressure

08:01 – Lingerie shopping: why men shouldn’t attempt it

11:04 – Premier League predictions fallout

13:18 – Sunderland sh*thousery & relegation worries

15:42 – Christmas football, darts & festive fancy dress fears

18:28 – Darts of Destiny explained

20:41 – Jermaine Pennant joins the podcast

22:06 – Life after football & media work

24:38 – Pennant opens up on ADHD diagnosis

27:12 – Understanding past mistakes through ADHD

29:44 – Football as an escape from childhood trauma

32:18 – Signing for Arsenal at 15 with zero structure

35:01 – Unreal talent in the Arsenal youth setup

38:22 – Why Pennant thrived when he was playing

41:04 – Steve Bruce vs Rafa Benítez: man-management clash

44:06 – Liverpool dressing room stories & boot chaos

47:12 – Champions League final regrets

50:01 – Turning down Everton to chase Liverpool dream

53:18 – Birmingham relegation & waiting for the big move

56:02 – Why first spells at clubs were always the best

59:14 – What managers misunderstood about Pennant

1:03:22 – Redefining success, legacy & self-acceptance

1:07:48 – Jermaine Pennant wraps up & farewells

1:09:30 – Darts of Destiny challenge begins

1:11:52 – Chris’ pressure & final darts reactions

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