Essendon great James Hird's career has moved in an unlikely new direction since his stint as Bombers coach came to an end – he now works as a broker for the sale of big European soccer clubs and sells boots to Brazilian superstars in China.

Hird opened up on his affinity for the round-ball code and his knowledge of the business side of soccer in an ABC podcast with Santo, Sam & Ed.

James Hird. Credit:Eddie Jim

In a nearly 40-minute interview conducted by comedians Santo Cilauro and Ed Kavalee, Hird's AFL background was barely touched on and the supplements controversy that led to the end of his stint as Bombers coach was not mentioned at all.

Instead, the entire discussion centred around Hird's new life as a devoted "soccer dad" of three aspiring professionals and his fascinating foray into the European game, acting as a consultant for consortiums looking to buy clubs in Spain, England and Italy.