A former forward for Manchester City, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough has been found guilty of the criminal offense of sexual activity with a minor. After serving three years of his six-year prison sentence, he was released on parole in March 2019.
Although the disgraceful and premature end to his career cost him around £10 million (€11.5 million) in lost salaries and sponsorship deals, Johnson relied on the financial security he built during his golden days at Manchester City. While wearing the Citizens' jersey, he earned £80,000 (approximately €92,000) per week and enjoyed the luxury of a villa worth over €4.6 million, previously owned by Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to English media reports, Johnson has managed to rebuild his family life. He reconciled with Stacey Flounders, his partner and mother of his two children, with whom he had broken off contact during the difficult court proceedings. The two reconnected during the coronavirus pandemic.
The family has moved back to the northeast of England. They replaced a lavish €2 million estate with a more modest house valued at around €540,000, but they still live without any financial worries.
"Money played a big role here. He hasn’t worked since his career ended," revealed an anonymous family member to the British Daily Mail. "He earned enough during his career to lead a very comfortable, worry-free life. They have a pleasant daily routine, and the children truly lack for nothing."
Today, those close to him have only words of praise. His aunt, Irene Welsh, describes him as "happy" and a man with "many friends." On the other hand, a former teammate notes that Johnson is now a "typical father" who radiates a new sense of "peace and acceptance," adding that he has "finally settled down."
The former Premier League star now spends most of his free time playing golf, far from the public eye and football pitches.