"The money is in a different league these days, of course, but I have special memories of the 60s and 70s which players today don't have. There wasn't the same celebrity attitude and media exposure. We had a bit more freedom"

Peter Shilton’s reflection contrasts the world of professional football in the 1960s and 1970s with the contemporary game, emphasizing both financial and cultural differences. He notes that the scale of money involved in the sport has vastly increased, suggesting that the financial rewards for modern players are of a completely different magnitude compared to what he and his peers experienced. For Shilton and other players of his era, football may have been less about financial gain and more about the pure enjoyment, passion, and camaraderie of the sport.

He treasures his memories from that period, implying a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, arguably more authentic time. The “special memories” to which he alludes are distinct from those of modern players, whose experiences are shaped by different pressures and expectations. One of the key differences he highlights is the lack of a “celebrity attitude” and the reduced “media exposure” during his playing days. Back then, players were perhaps more grounded, able to relate to fans on a personal level without the imposing barrier of celebrity culture that now separates footballers from the general public.

The lesser degree of media scrutiny offered players a greater sense of freedom, both in their personal lives and on the pitch. Without the permanent glare of television cameras, social media, and tabloid interest, players could act more naturally, make mistakes, and enjoy their success away from the relentless public spotlight. Shilton seems to suggest that this freedom promoted a more genuine atmosphere within the sport, less burdened by image management or commercial interests. For all the advancements and opportunities afforded by the game’s growth, he values the authenticity and relative privacy of the era in which he played, viewing it as something special and perhaps irretrievable in the modern football landscape.