After his spell at Sampdoria, Fabio Borini has returned to England, signing a deal until the end of the season with League Two side Salford City. At 34, the former Chelsea forward has chosen to combine his passion for football with a new entrepreneurial venture, building a different kind of life still rooted in sport.
Ed Woodward’s former home and the padel club
Borini has moved into the former residence of ex-Manchester United executive Ed Woodward and opened a padel centre in the local area. The club, named Padel 16, has quickly become a hub for athletes and enthusiasts. “It’s a place where sportspeople can have fun and unwind. Padel is perfect for that,” Borini told The Times.
Donnarumma as a special guest
Among the expected guests at Padel 16 is Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, a fellow Italian. “He’ll probably come for a game, but it’s very difficult to lob him, as difficult as it is to score against him,” Borini joked. The two families are close, and their wives have already been in touch to help Donnarumma settle into the area.
Helping with the transition
Borini spoke about the challenges of relocating, especially for someone like Donnarumma who is still learning English. “He’s shy, even if he looks like a big lad. He doesn’t know much English and moving again is tough, especially when you’re straight into the team and have little time to sort everything else out,” he explained. “My wife did all the bits to help them, and we’ll invite them over for a good glass of wine.”
Between the pitch and entrepreneurship
Borini continues to play with passion while also looking ahead. The padel club represents a new challenge and a way to stay connected to sport from a different angle. “He knows he can come to mine and eat good Italian food,” Borini added with a smile. A new life, built around rackets, footballs, and warm Italian hospitality.
