As Peter Crouch celebrates his 45th birthday, the former England striker and his wife, Abbey Clancy, continue to be one of football's most open couples regarding their long-term romance. Meeting in 2005 and marrying in 2011, the pair have navigated fame, four children, and the challenges of professional sports with a trademark sense of humor.
Peter admitted he thought Abbey was out of his league when they met
Crouch, who enjoyed a prolific Premier League career with clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham, famously joked that Abbey was "out of his league" when they first met. Over their 14-year marriage, they have shared intimate and often hilarious details of their private lives on their podcast, The Therapy Crouch. Abbey recently revealed Peter's "vile" habit of sending suggestive emojis—including the aubergine and beaver icons—to signal he is in the mood, a tactic she playfully dismisses.
Crouchy can't keep his hands off his stunning wife
To manage Peter's constant attention, Abbey confessed to using a "dressing gown tactic," tying the belt at the back to make it difficult for him to untie. While they remain smitten, Abbey admitted that their relationship faced strain during her pregnancies. Specifically, during her fourth pregnancy with their son Jack, she revealed they "hated each other" and experienced a total sex ban, though they later reconciled, calling the child a "gift from God."
Abbey opened up about her and Crouch's trouble during her fourth pregnancy
Their journey has not been without serious hurdles. In 2010, the couple dealt with allegations involving Peter and a sex worker in Madrid while Abbey was pregnant with their first daughter. Despite the "horrendous" period, Abbey chose to forgive him. By 2014, she confirmed they had moved past the scandal, describing Peter as her "best friend" and a "generous, incredible dad."