Danny Rose: If you’re not strong enough, football will swallow you up
ByReuters
Updated 27/06/2018 at 11:49 GMT
England full-back Danny Rose says that he would not recommended a career in professional football to children, such are the pressures associated with the game.
Danny Rose of England reacts during a training session as part of the England media access at Spartak Zelenogorsk Stadium ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2018 on June 13, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Image credit: Getty Images
Rose, who opened up about his mental health struggles shortly before England departed for Russia, spoke with Sky Sports ahead of the Three Lions'game with Belgium at the World Cup.
And while the Tottenham defender sees football as the best job in the world, he added that, at the same time, there are underlining issues that can be overbearing.
"It is the best job in the world, don't get me wrong," said Rose.
"But people seem to think there are no other issues within football, you just get your money at the end of the month and play every weekend.
"There is so much more to football than what people may see on Saturday and I don't believe in hiding that from people.
"Even though I feel very privileged to play football, with the things I have experienced within the game, it is not something I would be shouting from the rooftops, to recommend to people's children to be footballers.
Because there are a lot of things that happen on a day-to-day basis at club football that I wouldn't wish on anybody.
n the same interview, Rose added, however, that having previously told his family not to come to Russia for the World Cup due to fears of racism, he is ready to change his mind.
"It depends if I’m playing but I’d definitely be open now to having my family out here, so let’s just hope we win on Thursday and then we beat whoever we play in the next round and we’ll see," he said on Tuesday.
England play Belgium on Thursday in their final Group G game but have already qualified for the knockout stage with their opening two victories.
There have been no reported racist abuse from fans at England games and Rose said his experience in the country had been positive.
"It’s the first time I’ve been in Russia, and it’s different to what I expected. I’m having a great time," he said.
Our hotel is a bit out of the way, but it’s been really quiet. The weather’s amazing. I haven’t had much time to go out into St Petersburg yet but from what everyone says, it’s beautiful.
"They’ve (his team mates) had a look at the museums. There’s a beach just around the corner from us. The further we go in the competition, I’ll look to go out and see much more," he added.
Rose was on the bench for England's wins against Tunisia and Panama but could be one of those who get a chance to feature in the Belgium game.
The Tottenham wing back said he had missed his relatives during the team's family days.
"We’ve had family days where we’ve had a day off and the gaffer has allowed people, families to come to the hotel or we can go to our families’ hotel, When people have had their families around, yeah, it has been difficult," he said.
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