31 Facts About Willo Flood

William Robert Flood was born on 10 April 1985 and is an Irish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Willo Flood earned 15 caps for his country at under-20 and under-21 levels.

Willo Flood represented eight clubs in England and Scotland including Manchester City, Cardiff City, Dundee United, Celtic, Middlesbrough and Aberdeen.

Willo Flood was born in Dublin and grew up on a housing estate in the Ballyfermot area of the city.

Willo Flood started off his early career with Cherry Orchard before joining Manchester City.

At the age of 14, Willo Flood dislocated his patella playing in the All-Ireland Final.

Cherry Orchard won the final and Willo Flood received a winners' medal, which was his only one until winning the Scottish League Cup in 2014 with Aberdeen.

When he joined Manchester City and signed a professional contract, Willo Flood had injuries sorted by the club's medical team and quote: "If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be playing football"'.

Manager Kevin Keegan was impressed with Willo Flood's display following his performance.

Willo Flood scored just once for Cardiff, a memorable winning goal at Elland Road in August 2006.

Willo Flood's debut resulted in a red card before half time on the opening day of the season, after collecting two cautions, and his second match, for the reserves, resulted in the same outcome.

Four years on, Willo Flood admitted that the penalty left him with bitter memories when he compared the penalty miss to Manchester United's match in the League Cup against Sunderland.

When his move to Celtic came to light, Manager Craig Levein urged Willo Flood to stay at Dundee United, rather than joining Celtic.

Willo Flood joined Celtic on 30 January 2009, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee, for the team he supported as a boy.

Willo Flood made his debut for Celtic against Rangers on 15 February 2009 at Celtic Park, playing for just over an hour before being substituted.

Willo Flood commented that making his debut was a "big shock" for him.

In December 2009, Willo Flood admitted he "regretted" joining Celtic, describing it as "a mistake".

On 13 January 2010, it was announced that Willo Flood had officially left Celtic for Middlesbrough, along with his teammates Barry Robson and Chris Killen.

Willo Flood was taken off before half time after a collision with teammate Matthew Bates with manager Strachan expressing sympathy for Willo Flood.

Willo Flood made his first appearance from injury when he played 60 minutes for the club's reserve Team against Leeds United reserves.

In May 2011, Willo Flood returned to Dundee United, where he signed a two-year contract with the club.

Willo Flood added further goals Dundee on 7 December 2012 and against Hearts on 9 February 2013.

On 31 May 2013, it was announced that Willo Flood had signed a pre-contract with Aberdeen.

Manager Derek McInnes was keen to sign Willo Flood and described him as an "ideal" signing.

Willo Flood again injured his hamstring and had to be substituted during the match against Celtic resulting in him being sidelined for two months.

Willo Flood returned to Dundee United in July 2016 for his fourth spell with the club, initially signing a one-year deal.

Willo Flood left Dunfermline just over a week after signing with the club, as he had received an offer from Indonesian club Bali United.

Willo Flood was officially announced as a Bali player on 6 July 2018.

Willo Flood announced his retirement from football aged 34, with the aim of pursuing a career as a football agent, in August 2019.

Willo Flood has a brother, Shane, and grew up in a family of Celtic supporters.

The ordeal left Willo Flood with recurring nightmares, resulting in him needing counselling and being unable to live alone.