Ex-Premier League star so unrecognisable without flowing hair and bushy beard even his own son didn’t know who he was
THIS former Premier League star looks so different these days even his own son didn’t recognise him.
The ex-defender spent most of his career on the books with Aston Villa, making 79 appearances in the top flight.
However, he was forced to retire early under doctors’ advice in 2022 following a nasty head injury.
And as he started a completely new career as a mortgage and investment advisor, it inadvertently coincided with a completely new look.
The flowing locks were cropped for a shorter style and the beard trimmed back in a heartwarming selfie with his wife Catherine.
But for Nathan Baker, his son Jax was utterly perplexed and bamboozled.
Baker, 32, told SunSport: “I’ve cut my hair now actually so some people might not recognise me.
“It was quite funny because my two-year-old son didn’t recognise me when I picked him up from nursery.
“It was quite embarrassing actually, he was looking at me but didn’t recognise me.
“I had to start speaking so he recognised my voice but then it took him a couple of minutes to come around and he had a stern look on his face.
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“It’s a bit weird, I’ve cut my hair and I’ve started this new career. It wasn’t planned it just happened I had had enough of that hairstyle so I’ve gone a lot shorter now.”
Baker scored five goals in 294 senior club appearances for Villa, Bristol City and on loan at Lincoln and Millwall.
But the early retirement and young family prompted him to look at a career change.
He had built up a property portfolio during his playing days and passed his CeMAP exams at the first attempt to kickstart his venture into the world of finance.
Baker told SunSport: “I’ve always been interested in property and I’ve been able to build my own portfolio alongside football. So this career change is perfect for me and goes hand in hand.
“I studied hard in the lead-up to my exam as there was a lot to learn, especially the terminology and legislation, but thankfully I passed first time.
“I’m ready to start taking on my own clients. I’m loving it.
“As long as I’m still enjoying it and helping people, I’ll carry on. This is just the start of my new career path as the idea would be to become a financial advisor where I can cover pensions, investments, mortgages and insurance.”