Robbie Williams wants fans to let him entertain them again

By Ewan McDonald

Robbie Williams wants fans to let him entertain them again
Take this: comeback kid reveals new record, family joy - and a painful problem.

Robbie Williams has revealed he has arthritis in his back which means he “dances like a drunk dad at a wedding – and has ended his beloved football kickabouts with mates.

On World Arthritis Day, the 42-year-old said he suffers from the common condition, which causes pain and inflammation in a joint.

“I’ve got arthritis in my back so I can’t put my foot through a ball. I have very tight hamstrings, barely existent calves. I dance like a drunk dad at a wedding. But I’ve got to do something to fill the time on stage.”

Williams shared his diagnosis on a day which aims to encourage people to live their lives to the fullest despite the painful condition.

After battles with drug addiction and mental illness, Williams admitted that his family has helped him overcome his demons. Robbie is father to daughter Teddy, 4, and son Charlie, two months, with wife Ayda.

“Having kids has completely focused my attention away from my neuroses and addictions. My life is tenfold better for it. Daddy goes to work and it all makes sense.

“This is my job. It’s not a normal job. And having children has made it all make sense.”

Williams, who recently returned to the public eye with his new single Party Like a Russian,  says his biggest worry right now is whether his music goes down well in the charts.

“About six weeks ago, I was in Los Angeles and I was hearing about people really finding it difficult to break into the top 40. Pop stars that are much more relevant than me are struggling.

“I was like, ‘If they can’t get in, how am I going to get in?’ Because the rules have changed. It’s all about streaming — my audience doesn’t stream.”

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