E64 - Héctor Bellerín: How curiosity can seriously damage your ignorance

It’s our third EURO 2020 special episodes, we are joined by Arsenal and Spain defender Héctor Bellerín.

Héctor joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2011 before making his first-team debut, aged 18, in the 2013 League Cup. He has since gone on to lift two Emirates FA Cups.

As you will discover in this compelling podcast, Héctor has fascinating interests and insights outside of the game that all contribute to his lessons in high performance. 

*********

Huge thanks to WHOOP for being our special partner for the EUROS series. WHOOP is a personalised digital fitness &

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## Hector Bellerin: High Performance Podcast Episode Summary

### Introduction

- Hector Bellerin, the Arsenal and Spain defender, joins the podcast for a candid conversation about his unique perspective on high performance and his journey as a professional footballer.
- Bellerin emphasizes the importance of being effective and reaching a state where one can perform at their best, viewing high performance as a continuous pursuit of improvement through various aspects of life.

### Swimming Against the Tide

- Bellerin reflects on his younger years, where he felt different from his teammates due to his views and opinions.
- He highlights the influence of living in London, which exposed him to diverse characters and inspired him to embrace his individuality.
- Bellerin acknowledges the challenges of expressing his views in a dressing room filled with established players but emphasizes the importance of earning respect and establishing his worth.

### Growing Up in Catalonia

- Bellerin discusses his upbringing in Catalonia, a region known for its independence movement.
- He emphasizes his impartiality in political matters and attributes his sense of independence to his unique upbringing, which involved long hours of training and travel.
- Bellerin highlights the role of his family in supporting his independence while also providing guidance and boundaries.

### The Power of Being an Individual

- Bellerin stresses the significance of being comfortable with oneself and being different to achieve peak performance.
- He draws parallels to the experience of Marcelino Asambe, a Royal Ballet principal dancer who came out as gay, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in achieving high performance.
- Bellerin underscores the therapeutic value of speaking out about personal challenges and expressing his views, both publicly and privately.

### Social Awareness and Scrutiny

- Bellerin acknowledges the scrutiny and criticism he faced for his social activism and interests outside of football, particularly during periods of poor team performance.
- He challenges the stereotype that footballers should conform to certain expectations and highlights the double standards in media portrayal.
- Bellerin emphasizes that having interests beyond football can contribute to a well-rounded perspective and enhance overall performance.

### The Skills That Translate

- Bellerin explains how his interests in photography and spending time in nature help him recharge and connect with his surroundings.
- He emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from football-related activities to maintain mental health and well-being.
- Bellerin highlights the benefits of observing and appreciating the world around him, which enhances his awareness and attention to detail on the field.

### Family as the Foundation

- Bellerin discusses the importance of family in his life, emphasizing the unwavering support he has received from his parents and sister.
- He credits his family for providing a stable foundation and helping him navigate the challenges of his career.
- Bellerin acknowledges the sacrifices his family made to support his football aspirations and expresses his gratitude for their unwavering belief in him.

### Conclusion

- Bellerin reiterates the importance of embracing individuality and pursuing personal growth to achieve high performance.
- He encourages listeners to challenge societal norms and expectations, emphasizing the value of authenticity and self-expression.
- Bellerin highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who encourage personal and professional development.

# Podcast Episode Summary: Héctor Bellerín: High Performance Podcast

## Introduction

* Héctor Bellerín, Arsenal and Spain defender, joins the podcast for a discussion about his life and career.
* Bellerín has been with Arsenal since 2011, winning two FA Cups during his time at the club.
* He is known for his outspoken views on a variety of social issues, including racism, sexism, and climate change.

## Key Insights

* **Bellerín believes that it is important for athletes to use their platform to speak out about social issues.** He says, "I think that we have a responsibility to use our voices for good. We have a huge platform, and we can reach a lot of people. So I think it's important to use that platform to try to make a difference in the world."
* **Bellerín is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness.** He says, "I think it's really important to talk about mental health, because it's something that affects so many people. And I think that there's still a lot of stigma around it. So I think it's important to talk about it and to try to break down that stigma."
* **Bellerín is a role model for many young people, and he takes that responsibility seriously.** He says, "I think it's important to be a good role model for young people. I think that we have a responsibility to try to set a good example and to show them that it's okay to be different and to be yourself."

## Memorable Quotes

* "I think that we have a responsibility to use our voices for good. We have a huge platform, and we can reach a lot of people. So I think it's important to use that platform to try to make a difference in the world."
* "I think it's really important to talk about mental health, because it's something that affects so many people. And I think that there's still a lot of stigma around it. So I think it's important to talk about it and to try to break down that stigma."
* "I think it's important to be a good role model for young people. I think that we have a responsibility to try to set a good example and to show them that it's okay to be different and to be yourself."

## Overall Message

Héctor Bellerín is a thoughtful and articulate young man who is using his platform as a professional athlete to make a difference in the world. He is a role model for many young people, and his message of hope and change is inspiring.

# The High Performance Podcast: Redefining Success and Overcoming Performance Anxiety with Héctor Bellerín

Héctor Bellerín, Arsenal and Spain defender, joins the podcast to discuss his unique perspectives on performance, mental health, and his journey to redefine success.

**Key Insights:**

* **Redefining Success:** Bellerín challenges the traditional view of success in football, emphasizing the importance of personal values, mental well-being, and holistic development. He advocates for a shift away from defining success solely based on results and external validation.

* **Overcoming Performance Anxiety:** Bellerín openly shares his struggles with performance anxiety and mental health issues. He highlights the detrimental impact of the toxic masculinity prevalent in sports culture, which often leads to athletes suppressing their emotions and prioritizing winning at all costs.

* **Embracing Compassion and Empathy:** Bellerín advocates for cultivating compassion and empathy in sports, both on and off the field. He believes that creating a supportive environment where athletes feel safe to express their emotions and seek help is crucial for promoting mental well-being and overall performance.

* **The Value of Consistency:** Bellerín emphasizes the importance of consistency in performance, highlighting the value of players who consistently deliver solid performances rather than those who have sporadic moments of brilliance. He acknowledges the challenge of maintaining consistency in a high-pressure environment but stresses its significance for team success.

* **Challenging Societal Norms:** Bellerín reflects on the societal pressures that young athletes face, particularly the emphasis on winning and the fear of failure. He encourages coaches and parents to prioritize enjoyment and skill development over results, creating a positive and nurturing environment for young athletes to thrive.

* **The Importance of Self-Reflection:** Bellerín emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness in achieving high performance. He advocates for athletes to take time to understand their emotions, values, and motivations, as this self-knowledge is essential for personal growth and development.

* **Finding Balance:** Bellerín discusses the importance of finding balance in life, both on and off the field. He highlights the need for athletes to pursue interests and hobbies outside of their sport, as this can help them maintain perspective and prevent burnout.

* **The Power of Perspective:** Bellerín shares his unique approach to analyzing his own performance, viewing himself as a third person to detach himself from personal judgment. This perspective allows him to objectively assess his strengths and weaknesses and make improvements without being overly critical of himself.

**Memorable Quotes:**

* "Your value as a human being should always be like a candle that's always burning at the same rate... It doesn't matter if you score a goal, it doesn't matter if you score an own goal, it doesn't matter if you lose, you always win. Your value is always here."

* "I feel like I care less and less and I let myself be less affected by what other people say."

* "I think people that are really in the industry really value how hard it is to be that kind of player and how much that gives a team."

**Overall Message:**

Héctor Bellerín's journey and insights offer a refreshing perspective on success, mental health, and performance in sports. He challenges conventional notions of success, advocating for a more holistic approach that prioritizes personal well-being, compassion, and empathy. Bellerín's experiences and reflections serve as a valuable reminder of the importance of self-awareness, self-reflection, and finding balance in life to achieve true high performance.

# Hector Bellerín: On Mental Health, Curiosity, and High Performance

In the third installment of the EURO 2020 special episodes, Arsenal and Spain defender Héctor Bellerín joins the show.

Bellerín, who joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2011, has become a prominent figure in the world of football. However, his interests and insights extend far beyond the pitch. He is an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about his struggles with anxiety and depression. He also has a keen interest in fashion and sustainability.

In this episode, Bellerín discusses the importance of mental health and how it relates to high performance. He emphasizes the need for honesty, curiosity, and self-awareness in order to achieve success in any area of life. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of Arsenal and his hopes for the future.

## Key Insights:

- **Mental Health and High Performance**: Bellerín believes that mental health is crucial for high performance. He emphasizes the need for honesty, curiosity, and self-awareness in order to achieve success in any area of life.


- **The Importance of Curiosity**: Bellerín encourages people to be curious and open-minded. He believes that learning and growing come from being willing to explore new ideas and perspectives.


- **The Power of Self-Awareness**: Bellerín stresses the importance of self-awareness in order to identify and address mental health issues. He believes that being honest with oneself about one's feelings and experiences is the first step towards healing and growth.


- **The Current State of Arsenal**: Bellerín acknowledges that Arsenal has had a difficult season. However, he is optimistic about the future and believes that the team is moving in the right direction under the leadership of Mikel Arteta.


- **Bellerín's Hopes for the Future**: Bellerín hopes to continue to grow and develop as a player and as a person. He wants to help Arsenal achieve success and to make a positive impact on the world through his advocacy for mental health awareness and sustainability.

## Memorable Quotes:

- "I think the most important thing is to be honest with yourself and to be honest with the people around you."


- "I think curiosity is one of the most important things in life. If you're not curious, you're not going to learn anything."


- "I think self-awareness is the key to everything. If you're not self-aware, you're not going to be able to change anything."


- "I think we're moving in the right direction. We've got a lot of young players who are really exciting. I think we're going to be a really good team in the future."


- "I want to continue to grow and develop as a player and as a person. I want to help Arsenal achieve success and to make a positive impact on the world."

[00:00.000 -> 00:06.240] Hi there, welcome along to a brand new episode of the High Performance Podcast. I hope you're
[00:06.240 -> 00:10.200] having a great week. I hope this conversation adds to the great week. If you're having a
[00:10.200 -> 00:14.880] tough time, I hope this conversation lifts you up at a time when you need it the most.
[00:14.880 -> 00:20.580] Our Euro 2020 specials in partnership with Whoop are all about letting you hear footballers
[00:20.580 -> 00:25.280] talk in a way you just don't hear often enough. I'm so proud of these interviews
[00:25.280 -> 00:31.200] and I'm so proud that these people chose to join us to really open up and speak completely honestly
[00:31.200 -> 00:36.880] and honesty is exactly what you're going to hear from today's guest Hector Bellerin.
[00:38.240 -> 00:43.840] I suffered like a lack of motivation and I didn't know what it was you know and I was speaking to
[00:43.840 -> 00:45.160] the psychologist at the club
[00:45.160 -> 00:46.200] and stuff and it was like, what's changed?
[00:46.200 -> 00:47.200] What's changing?
[00:47.200 -> 00:48.800] I had just bought a house in Barcelona
[00:48.800 -> 00:50.280] and then my family were living there.
[00:50.280 -> 00:51.120] And I was like, whoa.
[00:51.120 -> 00:55.160] So everything that I've been working for all these years,
[00:55.160 -> 00:56.200] now I've been able to do it.
[00:56.200 -> 00:58.040] Now I feel like, what am I playing for?
[00:58.040 -> 01:00.140] You know, cause my family are already out.
[01:00.140 -> 01:02.360] So then I had to refocus.
[01:02.360 -> 01:06.000] And then at that time, this is a few years ago,
[01:06.000 -> 01:08.000] my refocus was like, I had just won,
[01:08.000 -> 01:11.760] I think right back off the year in the Premier League,
[01:11.760 -> 01:14.840] the FA team of the year, yeah.
[01:14.840 -> 01:17.040] So I was like, now I wanna be in the Champions League team
[01:17.040 -> 01:18.240] of the year or whatever, right?
[01:18.240 -> 01:19.800] I wanna be the best right back in the world.
[01:19.800 -> 01:22.360] And I felt like, yeah, cool, that motivated me,
[01:22.360 -> 01:24.120] but that wasn't focused enough.
[01:24.120 -> 01:27.400] That was just too vague and was too, I don't know.
[01:27.400 -> 01:29.080] I feel like I couldn't put,
[01:29.080 -> 01:31.240] couldn't touch it, if that makes sense, you know?
[01:31.240 -> 01:32.720] Whereas now it's like,
[01:32.720 -> 01:34.600] I want to be better than what I was yesterday.
[01:34.600 -> 01:36.000] And I know how I was yesterday.
[01:36.000 -> 01:37.240] So I know how I can be today.
[01:37.240 -> 01:38.080] So this is real.
[01:38.080 -> 01:40.700] And I feel like if I focus on that every day,
[01:40.700 -> 01:43.600] I'm going to get closer and closer to where I can be.
[01:43.600 -> 01:47.300] It's a brilliant episode. I suggest you grab a pen and paper. There are so many takeaways
[01:47.300 -> 01:52.000] from this one. But before we get going, as I'm sure you know, these episodes around Euro
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[02:42.320 -> 02:46.100] Strain is how much effort you've put into your body that day
[02:46.540 -> 02:51.480] Recovery though is really important because unless you get the recovery, right? You can't get the strain, right?
[02:51.480 -> 02:56.820] You don't know how hard to work. So the way that recovery works is it focuses on something called?
[02:57.520 -> 03:09.120] HRV heart rate variability which indicates your autonomic nervous system being in balance or not. So it's, I mean, effectively, it's a kind of time interval between your heartbeats.
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[03:13.120 -> 03:15.840] And it takes into account loads of different factors.
[03:15.840 -> 03:19.440] So my HRV right now, if I look at, let me just get the app up on my phone.
[03:19.440 -> 03:25.000] My HRV is 58 ms, which is 19.7% higher than it's been recently,
[03:26.060 -> 03:27.100] than my recent average,
[03:27.100 -> 03:29.740] which means that I'm primed to take on strain.
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[04:42.720 -> 04:45.280] high performance talking of, let's get
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[07:07.000 -> 07:14.600] Today, we're joined by a modern Arsenal great. Over 300 appearances for the Gunners, a three-time
[07:14.600 -> 07:20.520] FA Cup winner who graduated from the famed La Masia Academy in Barcelona. However, this
[07:20.520 -> 07:24.520] isn't a conversation about football. This is a conversation about being an individual
[07:24.520 -> 07:25.940] in a world of intense scrutiny. It's a conversation about being an individual in a world of intense scrutiny
[07:25.940 -> 07:29.640] It's a conversation about dealing with injuries in a world of the supremely fit
[07:29.920 -> 07:34.520] It's a conversation about the importance of keeping family at the heart of everything you do
[07:34.520 -> 07:41.760] So it's an absolute pleasure to welcome to high performance the Arsenal player Hector Bellerin. Welcome along. Thank you. Welcome
[07:41.760 -> 07:47.600] So what is high performance? High performance to me I would say
[07:47.600 -> 07:57.040] is about being effective and effective in reaching a level or reaching a state in which you can
[07:57.040 -> 08:07.800] perform at your best level and to me this is like a never-ending thing that you basically start looking at habits
[08:07.800 -> 08:12.200] and things that you can change to become better every day and that put you in the
[08:12.200 -> 08:16.720] best place to to perform at the at the highest level when it comes to game day
[08:16.720 -> 08:20.200] so that can be from like your diet, from like your sleeps, your training and
[08:20.200 -> 08:24.320] everything and I think all around throughout my career I've changed loads
[08:24.320 -> 08:25.360] of things I'm someone that I'm always I've changed loads of things. I'm
[08:25.360 -> 08:32.560] someone that I'm always, I always want to be better. If there's like even a 3% you know that
[08:32.560 -> 08:39.840] I can improve in anything I try to do it. So my diet has changed along the years, the way I sleep,
[08:40.880 -> 08:51.200] you know everything about it, even my training and how I get ready for training or how I get ready for games. So I think the wanting to reach the best of yourself to perform
[08:51.760 -> 08:54.000] at your best level is high performance.
[08:54.560 -> 08:58.240] But what's really interesting about that is that we live in a world where everyone follows
[08:58.240 -> 09:03.520] everybody else. And so to do the things that you've done actually involves you being brave
[09:03.520 -> 09:09.400] enough to take a different path. When did you first realise the power of swimming against the tide?
[09:09.400 -> 09:18.400] Well, it was always difficult being like a young player and having different views about what was going on
[09:18.400 -> 09:23.000] and knowing that you weren't really established yet and you couldn't really...
[09:23.000 -> 09:26.560] I didn't feel like I had the power to do any of those things.
[09:26.560 -> 09:29.640] And even though as a kid, I was always,
[09:29.640 -> 09:31.400] I would say different, you know,
[09:31.400 -> 09:34.040] and my life was always about football.
[09:34.040 -> 09:36.760] I was always out there playing and kicking a ball.
[09:36.760 -> 09:40.440] And if I wasn't doing that, I was training in Barcelona,
[09:40.440 -> 09:42.720] you know, it was quite far from my hometown.
[09:42.720 -> 09:45.600] So that took quite a lot of my time traveling there and back but
[09:46.400 -> 09:51.400] Then coming to London, I always say that this city kind of opened my mind. I lived in a small town
[09:52.040 -> 09:57.120] Everyone's like pretty conservative and everyone is kind of that looks the same has the same lives
[09:57.120 -> 10:00.980] you know when you finish school you go to work at your dad's job and
[10:01.360 -> 10:06.080] that's it how he kind of still is and then coming to London and I saw this city just
[10:06.080 -> 10:12.080] like full of different characters and people just like living their own lives, kind of not really
[10:12.080 -> 10:18.320] caring about what anyone else was saying and I truly felt inspired and it gave me the power and
[10:18.320 -> 10:26.320] the confidence to kind of just do the same and once I got the chance to be a regular in the team and kind of be respected
[10:26.320 -> 10:31.320] and I knew I could somehow just flourish and accept myself
[10:31.800 -> 10:36.680] and just be who I really was and looking for the best
[10:36.680 -> 10:39.520] version of myself through everything I do
[10:39.520 -> 10:41.960] and if there's something that I feel I can change
[10:41.960 -> 10:44.900] or I can do different and I try and it feels good
[10:44.900 -> 10:45.660] then I'll keep doing.
[10:45.660 -> 10:48.060] And, you know, I'm not antisystem,
[10:48.060 -> 10:50.820] but I'm someone that I don't really believe in like
[10:50.820 -> 10:54.260] the way that we live in the Western society of today.
[10:54.260 -> 10:57.560] So that is not just in sport, but just in life in general.
[10:57.560 -> 11:00.420] So for me to be different in that sense
[11:00.420 -> 11:03.020] and to look for other alternatives
[11:03.020 -> 11:07.400] have really made me grow as a person and as an
[11:07.400 -> 11:10.400] athlete and I'm always on that journey.
[11:10.400 -> 11:16.560] So interesting. When you talk about feeling this way, being a young player and then establishing
[11:16.560 -> 11:20.080] yourself in the team, are you saying that right from quite a young age you felt a bit
[11:20.080 -> 11:24.400] different and you had different opinions but you didn't feel you'd earned the right to
[11:24.400 -> 11:25.400] share them?
[11:25.400 -> 11:34.040] Yeah, because also you have, I would like to say that, you know, that when I was young, I was like really confident and I just like didn't care what anyone said.
[11:34.040 -> 11:39.400] But that is not the truth, you know, that is something that I've kind of like figured it out and, and learned to be that way.
[11:39.400 -> 11:46.800] But at the beginning, I obviously cared about what my teammates thought and you the boss, Arsene Wenger, thought at that time.
[11:46.800 -> 11:52.600] And we had World Cup champions in the team, people that, you know, legends in that squad.
[11:52.600 -> 11:56.560] So for me, it was difficult to come out of my shell in that way.
[11:56.560 -> 12:06.240] And not because they didn't accept me, because they did, and they took me into that dressing room with open arms, but just because I felt very different in many ways.
[12:06.240 -> 12:10.200] And for me, it was difficult to kind of deal with that.
[12:10.200 -> 12:14.280] And I say I was different because in like the views
[12:14.280 -> 12:16.020] that we had about the world,
[12:16.020 -> 12:18.880] and it's not always that you have like deep conversations
[12:18.880 -> 12:19.840] in a dressing room,
[12:19.840 -> 12:22.560] but when we did, I really felt different about my opinion.
[12:22.560 -> 12:25.160] And I didn't feel like my opinion was yet valued
[12:25.160 -> 12:27.040] because I hadn't shown my worth yet.
[12:27.040 -> 12:28.920] You know, I had only played like 10 games.
[12:28.920 -> 12:31.440] So what am I going to say to this grown man?
[12:31.440 -> 12:36.440] So I felt with time and, you know, with experiences,
[12:36.480 -> 12:40.400] one kind of starts to, you know, to learn about themselves
[12:40.400 -> 12:43.720] and to not really care about what other people say.
[12:43.720 -> 12:47.080] And if you don't like, or they don't like what they think of you
[12:47.080 -> 12:52.080] then it gets to a point that you know, it doesn't matter. I'm not here to to be liked or anything
[12:52.080 -> 12:56.320] I just express my views. Some people like it, some people not and you know, I
[12:57.000 -> 13:00.480] felt like somehow with time I earned it and now I'm like
[13:00.480 -> 13:01.360] I'm only 26
[13:01.360 -> 13:03.760] but I'm one of the senior people at the dressing room and
[13:03.880 -> 13:05.200] when I share my views,
[13:05.200 -> 13:06.300] now some of the young players,
[13:06.300 -> 13:08.120] they want to interact in these conversations
[13:08.120 -> 13:10.960] and maybe they hadn't heard anything like that before,
[13:10.960 -> 13:12.960] you know, or maybe don't share the same views,
[13:12.960 -> 13:15.440] but they accept the fact that someone else does.
[13:15.440 -> 13:18.440] And for me, it's not never about right or wrong.
[13:18.440 -> 13:20.860] It's more about understanding both sides.
[13:20.860 -> 13:23.120] And that's something that I also had to learn
[13:23.120 -> 13:29.400] because, you know, in a dressing room room like we share and how football and football fans and
[13:29.400 -> 13:33.880] footballers are is something that I had to to accept that I was somehow very
[13:33.880 -> 13:35.840] different to the people around me in that sense.
[13:35.840 -> 13:41.000] So can I take you back to growing up then Hector because you grew up in
[13:41.000 -> 14:07.060] Catalonia, a region that's famous for stating its independence whether that's oherwydd roeddech chi'n groeso yn Catalunya, rhan o leol sy'n arbenigol ar gyfer ei ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwyrio'n ddysgwryo'n ddysgwryo'n dd that is what made me as independent as I am. Even though I was born in Barcelona,
[14:07.060 -> 14:09.400] no one in my family comes from Barcelona.
[14:09.400 -> 14:12.100] They're all immigrants from other parts of Spain,
[14:12.100 -> 14:15.760] from the South of Spain, that they all moved to Barcelona.
[14:15.760 -> 14:18.960] My mom is like first generation Catalonian
[14:18.960 -> 14:20.800] in her side of the family.
[14:20.800 -> 14:24.040] And my dad moved from Seville to Barcelona
[14:24.040 -> 14:25.840] when he was 14 for love, which was a
[14:25.840 -> 14:33.200] great story as well. So even though I'm someone that's impartial, you know, to all this politics
[14:33.200 -> 14:38.800] that go on, because obviously I was born and raised in Catalonia by my family from the other
[14:38.800 -> 14:46.400] side of Spain. And to me, just in the subject, you know, putting borders up in 2020, it doesn't make sense anyway.
[14:46.400 -> 14:52.320] So whatever that is and how it's been portrayed in the last few years, I feel that my truly,
[14:52.320 -> 14:58.000] my real sense of independence came for the fact that since I was eight years old, I used to go
[14:58.000 -> 15:07.040] to school at eight o'clock in the morning, finish at 5pm, get in a taxi that will drive me to Barcelona for like an hour,
[15:07.040 -> 15:12.320] train for hour and a half and then get back home at like 10 30 p.m. or 11 p.m.
[15:12.320 -> 15:17.880] And then when I got home I used to have dinner with my parents and my sister for
[15:17.880 -> 15:21.160] half an hour and then I had to go to sleep to wake up the next morning so
[15:21.160 -> 15:25.400] really throughout the whole day, I was by myself.
[15:28.720 -> 15:30.520] So that's where I truly feel that my independence kind of was forged since a really young age.
[15:30.520 -> 15:31.600] And also I have to say,
[15:31.600 -> 15:34.640] even though that my family was always around,
[15:34.640 -> 15:37.080] I was a kid that always used to be in the street.
[15:37.080 -> 15:39.920] Like in Spain, the lights go off, you know,
[15:39.920 -> 15:41.120] really late at 10 o'clock.
[15:41.120 -> 15:43.640] And I was always in the street playing football with friends.
[15:43.640 -> 15:45.920] And that's always been my nature.
[15:45.920 -> 15:50.120] So even coming to London at 16 and leaving my family
[15:50.120 -> 15:51.720] and my friends and my coach and everyone was like,
[15:51.720 -> 15:53.320] oh Hector, that must've been so hard.
[15:53.320 -> 15:54.840] I was loving it.
[15:54.840 -> 15:57.240] It was not hard for me at all in the sense that
[15:57.240 -> 16:01.100] I was somehow used to be by myself, you know?
[16:01.100 -> 16:03.560] But at the same time, I had always had the support
[16:03.560 -> 16:04.400] of my family.
[16:04.400 -> 16:08.800] They always took care of me. If I was like really doing something bad or going with the wrong crowd,
[16:08.800 -> 16:14.800] they always pulled me back, you know, so it was like a great kind of give and take, you know,
[16:14.800 -> 16:20.000] at that age. And I think that's what truly formed the personality of me being comfortable with
[16:20.000 -> 16:24.320] myself and being comfortable being different and independent. Let's talk then about the power of
[16:24.320 -> 16:26.880] being independent. I know you listen to the podcast. Have you
[16:26.880 -> 16:33.400] listened to the episode with Marcelino Asambe? He's a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet.
[16:33.400 -> 16:39.720] And again, he came from a slum in Portugal. His dad died when he was young. His mum couldn't
[16:39.720 -> 16:43.960] look after him. He came over to the UK. He's gay, which is something that for a long time
[16:43.960 -> 16:47.640] was frowned upon in the ballet world. When we spoke to him about all those things that have made
[16:47.640 -> 16:52.220] him particularly being openly gay, I said, could you, could you dance the way you dance
[16:52.220 -> 16:57.920] and perform the way you do if you weren't totally yourself? And the answer was no. And
[16:57.920 -> 17:01.640] I'm interested whether it's the same for you, whether you could be at the level you're at
[17:01.640 -> 17:08.280] unless you were totally yourself, because there'll be people listening to this who are just scared basically about being individuals
[17:08.280 -> 17:09.560] or making decisions that they know
[17:09.560 -> 17:12.120] are going to get others questioning or frowning.
[17:12.120 -> 17:15.400] So could you tell us about the power of being an individual?
[17:15.400 -> 17:18.840] Well, I think the thing is for me to be able
[17:18.840 -> 17:21.280] to perform a hundred percent on that pitch,
[17:21.280 -> 17:23.560] I need to be at ease with everything
[17:23.560 -> 17:24.800] that's going on around me.
[17:24.800 -> 17:27.720] You know, if there's anything that I haven't done,
[17:27.720 -> 17:30.060] that I haven't said, that whatever it is
[17:30.060 -> 17:31.360] that just lingers in my head,
[17:31.360 -> 17:36.000] then that doesn't let me really focus on the goal,
[17:36.000 -> 17:37.880] on what I need to do.
[17:37.880 -> 17:41.840] So throughout all my years, you know,
[17:41.840 -> 17:44.520] I've had many challenges, you know,
[17:44.520 -> 17:45.800] whether that was with performance
[17:45.800 -> 17:47.040] or whether that was with scrutiny,
[17:47.040 -> 17:49.660] whether it was social media, family, et cetera.
[17:49.660 -> 17:54.520] So for me to be able to get in a place where I was
[17:56.460 -> 17:58.540] comfortable with what was in my head,
[17:58.540 -> 18:01.120] I felt that I needed to speak about stuff.
[18:01.120 -> 18:05.040] And that could have been just by speaking to someone
[18:05.040 -> 18:08.840] privately with a therapist or a psychologist or whatever. Or that
[18:08.840 -> 18:12.760] could be speaking out loud on Twitter or on Instagram about a
[18:12.760 -> 18:16.400] subject that what's going on, you know, and I thought for me,
[18:16.440 -> 18:20.280] even like making the documentary is something that obviously is
[18:20.280 -> 18:24.600] something that you share, and you try to give your opinion so
[18:24.600 -> 18:26.000] other people can debate it.
[18:26.000 -> 18:32.560] And, but also it's therapeutic for me, you know, the documentary is like, I'm like explaining my
[18:32.560 -> 18:39.040] whole journey around my injury, but even though it is to help other people, for me,
[18:39.040 -> 18:43.840] sitting in front of a camera and being able to share all my feelings and what I went through
[18:44.560 -> 18:46.560] throughout those months.
[18:46.560 -> 18:48.080] It was something that kind of took a weight
[18:48.080 -> 18:49.600] off my shoulders, I was massively,
[18:49.600 -> 18:52.060] and we spent one year making the documentary
[18:52.060 -> 18:53.680] and I couldn't wait for it to get out
[18:53.680 -> 18:56.420] because I felt like that's the moment I released, you know?
[18:56.420 -> 18:59.960] So for me being able to say what I think
[18:59.960 -> 19:01.160] and get it out of my head,
[19:01.160 -> 19:02.480] it's almost like it's out there
[19:02.480 -> 19:07.760] and then I can focus on what I really need to do. But you're also somebody that seems to have a high
[19:07.760 -> 19:12.520] social antenna, you're socially aware of what's going on, so for you to speak out
[19:12.520 -> 19:17.440] on some of these issues, whether it's environmentalism or sharing your
[19:17.440 -> 19:23.720] views on certain subjects, the context of it is then going to lead you to be shot
[19:23.720 -> 19:25.680] at or people to label
[19:25.680 -> 19:30.080] accusations that you're not focused on your career or you're not the
[19:30.080 -> 19:32.840] professional in the certain stereotype they have.
[19:32.840 -> 19:38.560] Yeah and it was really difficult at the beginning and I feel like at so many
[19:38.560 -> 19:43.480] times, there were so many moments that I questioned myself, you know, like should I be
[19:43.480 -> 19:47.300] doing this? Should I, you know, I was saying to my friend, like, should we really do this?
[19:47.300 -> 19:52.400] So, um, can you remember the first, the first thing you did that was sort of openly different?
[19:52.620 -> 19:56.900] What was the, what was the moment that you, I think, I guess it was like just
[19:57.220 -> 20:02.880] kind of putting an emphasis on my dress sense or like really posting on social media about me liking
[20:03.020 -> 20:06.880] clothes and fashion and stuff like that. I don't think it was nothing political
[20:06.880 -> 20:09.040] or nothing like about like a social
[20:09.040 -> 20:10.400] or environmental issue yet.
[20:10.400 -> 20:12.240] I think it just started with the clothes.
[20:12.240 -> 20:14.360] You've made, that shows you what the world we live in.
[20:14.360 -> 20:15.880] They're just wearing clothes.
[20:15.880 -> 20:19.240] It was wearing clothes and I think growing my hair long
[20:19.240 -> 20:22.440] which was quite problematic for what it was.
[20:22.440 -> 20:27.680] So were you surprised then by the scrutiny and the reaction and at times the criticism?
[20:27.680 -> 20:34.800] So we have to put it into perspective in the fact that when I started doing all these things,
[20:34.800 -> 20:39.080] then also as a team and as a club, we weren't performing in the same way that we were before,
[20:39.080 -> 20:43.440] you know? So I think we need to take all these things into account because I feel if I would
[20:43.440 -> 20:45.240] have been doing the same things
[20:45.240 -> 20:47.080] off the pitch, but we won the league,
[20:47.080 -> 20:49.520] I don't think we would have been talked about half as much,
[20:49.520 -> 20:51.080] which is the truth.
[20:51.080 -> 20:54.560] So I felt that, you know, given the social media
[20:54.560 -> 20:59.120] and how media also portrayed how footballers should be like,
[20:59.120 -> 21:02.200] or the fans or whatever, it was like, okay, we lose a game,
[21:02.200 -> 21:03.980] then you shouldn't be on social media,
[21:03.980 -> 21:06.160] but you win a game, then you can do whatever you want.
[21:06.160 -> 21:08.260] But it's not really like that because for me,
[21:08.260 -> 21:10.080] I've never, when I was young, I was more,
[21:10.080 -> 21:12.180] but now I'm not someone that's on social media at all.
[21:12.180 -> 21:14.620] I spend like on social media probably like 20 minutes a day,
[21:14.620 -> 21:17.580] but cause I've been on social media
[21:17.580 -> 21:18.860] and I've been active before,
[21:18.860 -> 21:20.860] and there's still stuff about me on social media.
[21:20.860 -> 21:23.100] Then people think that I spend most of my time,
[21:23.100 -> 21:24.240] you know, on my phone.
[21:24.240 -> 21:26.040] They say it's too much on social media.
[21:26.040 -> 21:27.080] He should be focusing on football,
[21:27.080 -> 21:28.440] but really I'm like 20 minutes,
[21:28.440 -> 21:31.160] but that's the perception of people.
[21:31.160 -> 21:34.240] And even though so many footballers, for example,
[21:34.240 -> 21:35.680] let's say they finished a training session
[21:35.680 -> 21:37.320] and they spend eight hours playing video games,
[21:37.320 -> 21:40.640] which it happens, then that is okay.
[21:40.640 -> 21:43.280] But a guy spending 30 minutes on social media
[21:43.280 -> 21:45.520] or talking about clothes because he likes clothes
[21:45.520 -> 21:48.480] or going to a fashion show that takes a half an hour
[21:48.480 -> 21:50.720] or something is way worse than spending eight hours
[21:50.720 -> 21:51.560] playing PlayStation.
[21:51.560 -> 21:52.560] Because it goes against the stereotype, right?
[21:52.560 -> 21:53.880] Yeah, that's it.
[21:53.880 -> 21:54.720] That's it.
[21:54.720 -> 21:55.680] And because also you're not playing well.
[21:55.680 -> 21:58.040] So we need to find,
[21:58.040 -> 22:00.320] we need to accuse someone of not playing well or losing,
[22:00.320 -> 22:02.360] you know, we need to put the blame on someone.
[22:02.360 -> 22:04.560] So the easiest way was like the young guy,
[22:04.560 -> 22:09.960] he has long hair, he likes clothes, he's weird, he's vegan, like what else do
[22:09.960 -> 22:13.560] you want? You know, I have all the tags. So, yeah.
[22:13.560 -> 22:17.320] So let's just, I really want to clear this up because as you know, in my job as a football
[22:17.320 -> 22:22.240] presenter, I'm sometimes sitting with pundits and they will say things like, well, you know,
[22:22.240 -> 22:25.560] I've seen he's, you know, designing his own fashion
[22:25.560 -> 22:30.320] range, so is he really focused on his football? And I so badly want to sort of go back on
[22:30.320 -> 22:34.160] those moments. Often there isn't the time and it doesn't, it just doesn't feel right.
[22:34.160 -> 22:39.580] I really want to clear up for people. So we have this real clarity here. Having interests
[22:39.580 -> 22:46.640] outside of just kicking a football for 15 hours a day is healthy, right? In your mind it makes you a better
[22:46.640 -> 22:50.640] footballer to have other things in your life to give you a rounded view of the world?
[22:50.640 -> 22:55.520] So my, the first thing that I say to people when they ask me that is that imagine a footballer
[22:55.520 -> 23:01.840] he's just had a kid, a new born kid, when he gets home he doesn't do nothing that is not being with
[23:01.840 -> 23:05.040] his kid and playing with him and taking care of him and stuff like that.
[23:05.040 -> 23:08.400] He's not thinking about football at all, right?
[23:08.400 -> 23:10.920] So what is the difference between that
[23:10.920 -> 23:14.080] or someone just having another,
[23:14.080 -> 23:15.560] something else that he likes,
[23:15.560 -> 23:17.840] is a hobby, is another passion,
[23:17.840 -> 23:20.300] same as your family can be your passion.
[23:20.300 -> 23:21.440] For me, that is my passion.
[23:21.440 -> 23:23.760] And it's not just clothes, I love photography,
[23:23.760 -> 23:25.020] I love art, I love art, I love reading,
[23:25.020 -> 23:26.360] I love so many things, you know.
[23:26.360 -> 23:28.440] I'm someone that, you know, I love to learn.
[23:28.440 -> 23:30.280] So I do online courses all the time, you know,
[23:30.280 -> 23:31.120] things like that.
[23:31.120 -> 23:35.320] So for me, I do everything that is in my hands
[23:35.320 -> 23:38.000] to be able to perform 100% at the weekend.
[23:38.000 -> 23:39.080] And I can guarantee you that.
[23:39.080 -> 23:41.480] I sleep nine hours a day.
[23:41.480 -> 23:44.920] I eat the best I can eat always at the same time.
[23:44.920 -> 23:47.360] So I have like these routines and, you know,
[23:47.360 -> 23:50.360] I prep before training, I recover after training,
[23:50.360 -> 23:51.560] I do everything I can.
[23:51.560 -> 23:54.880] And when I'm out there, if I am not tired,
[23:54.880 -> 23:58.480] that is gonna compromise how I'm gonna play in the next game,
[23:58.480 -> 23:59.360] I'll do some extra.
[23:59.360 -> 24:00.840] And I'm saying this for myself,
[24:00.840 -> 24:02.840] but so many of my teammates are like that, you know,
[24:02.840 -> 24:04.320] and people don't see that.
[24:04.320 -> 24:08.100] But at the same time, being a footballer,
[24:08.100 -> 24:09.180] which is like at the training ground,
[24:09.180 -> 24:10.980] you spend four or five hours a day,
[24:10.980 -> 24:13.860] means that I have tons of time at home
[24:13.860 -> 24:15.820] where I can be doing anything.
[24:15.820 -> 24:19.140] And for me doing something creative,
[24:19.140 -> 24:20.680] something that I learn about myself,
[24:20.680 -> 24:23.380] something that puts me more in touch with myself
[24:23.380 -> 24:25.760] or with nature or with my surroundings,
[24:25.760 -> 24:29.060] with what's going on socially, culturally.
[24:29.060 -> 24:31.320] For me, that's a way of like becoming a better person
[24:31.320 -> 24:34.160] and then at the same time becoming a better athlete
[24:34.160 -> 24:37.000] or a better whatever I'm gonna be in the future.
[24:37.000 -> 24:40.040] So it's like for me playing video games,
[24:40.040 -> 24:41.220] yeah, I play every now and then,
[24:41.220 -> 24:42.600] but I can't do that every day.
[24:42.600 -> 24:43.920] I feel like I'm wasting my time.
[24:43.920 -> 24:47.760] So I feel like all these other things help me, you know,
[24:47.760 -> 24:50.040] be in the process of creating something
[24:50.040 -> 24:51.560] or like learning about something
[24:51.560 -> 24:53.560] or connecting with other people, whatever it is.
[24:53.560 -> 24:55.160] See, that's fascinating.
[24:55.160 -> 24:57.240] And what I'm interested in is how,
[24:57.240 -> 24:59.160] so if there's somebody listening to this,
[24:59.160 -> 25:01.200] that's open-minded to go, okay, then, Hector,
[25:01.200 -> 25:05.960] tell me how does photography help you out there on the
[25:05.960 -> 25:09.680] field in terms of your professional job? Would you explain a bit about the skills
[25:09.680 -> 25:12.680] that translate across?
[25:12.680 -> 25:16.040] For sure and to me it's not only about the skills but also about
[25:16.040 -> 25:23.640] recharging, you know? For me being every day in a football state is not
[25:23.640 -> 25:25.000] healthy for me, you know, it's not healthy for me.
[25:25.160 -> 25:27.320] There's players that can go home and watch game after game,
[25:27.320 -> 25:29.440] after game, after game, that's not me.
[25:29.440 -> 25:32.380] I watch my games, my performances, my team's performances,
[25:32.380 -> 25:33.920] who are we gonna play next?
[25:33.920 -> 25:36.720] How can I help my team?
[25:36.720 -> 25:39.280] So I do the homework for myself.
[25:39.280 -> 25:41.440] But then I like to grab a camera
[25:41.440 -> 25:42.880] and walk around the forest.
[25:42.880 -> 25:45.240] And these things, what they made me is like, for example,
[25:45.240 -> 25:48.360] they made me see stuff that I've never seen before.
[25:48.360 -> 25:50.520] You know, if you one day walk in the street,
[25:50.520 -> 25:52.160] the same walk that you do every day,
[25:52.160 -> 25:54.360] but without your phone and you really look around,
[25:54.360 -> 25:56.440] you will notice things that you've never seen before.
[25:56.440 -> 25:59.600] And to me, this is like a way of also being connected
[25:59.600 -> 26:02.080] with like nature and with the stuff around us, you know?
[26:02.080 -> 26:04.280] And I've moved to the countryside like a year ago.
[26:04.280 -> 26:07.560] And it's the first time that I've seen the course
[26:07.560 -> 26:11.420] of how trees or plants or flowers around me blossom.
[26:11.420 -> 26:14.180] And that's something that when I was young with my granddad
[26:14.180 -> 26:16.100] and they had a house in the countryside,
[26:16.100 -> 26:18.220] I used to, you know, do all the time
[26:18.220 -> 26:19.460] and it was like second nature to me,
[26:19.460 -> 26:22.620] but I hadn't done that in like 20 years, you know?
[26:22.620 -> 26:24.740] And these things, I think that, you know,
[26:24.740 -> 26:27.000] they root me and they humble me
[26:27.000 -> 26:29.200] and they made me realize that,
[26:29.200 -> 26:32.520] I'm just like one more person in this world.
[26:32.520 -> 26:33.360] I don't know, it's like-
[26:33.360 -> 26:34.360] So it's perspective even.
[26:34.360 -> 26:36.060] Yeah, it's perspective and it's like,
[26:36.060 -> 26:39.560] I'm just a normal person and there's a common goal here
[26:39.560 -> 26:43.480] and I don't know, it's a bit more deep than just,
[26:44.520 -> 26:45.320] I take a picture and this translates into the game, that this a bit more deep than just, you know, I take a picture
[26:45.320 -> 26:47.000] and this translates into the game that this is.
[26:47.000 -> 26:49.920] It's like a deeper sense that I just feel
[26:49.920 -> 26:53.280] that these things make me feel better about myself
[26:53.280 -> 26:54.320] and learning new things,
[26:54.320 -> 26:56.880] that learning to take better pictures make me feel better.
[26:56.880 -> 26:59.160] And, you know, the feel good sense is something
[26:59.160 -> 27:00.840] that it's gonna put you in the game
[27:00.840 -> 27:02.680] always in a better position.
[27:02.680 -> 27:03.880] I have a little boy that plays football,
[27:03.880 -> 27:04.720] like many people do.
[27:04.720 -> 27:06.040] He's only five years old, almost six, but I want him to game always in a better position. I have a little boy that plays football like many people do, he's only five years old,
[27:06.040 -> 27:10.480] almost six, but I want him to grow up in a world where he can love football, play football,
[27:10.480 -> 27:14.720] enjoy football, but also enjoy everything else as well. I don't think at the moment
[27:14.720 -> 27:18.640] we live in that world. I don't know whether you've thought about this, I suspect you may
[27:18.640 -> 27:22.920] have done. What needs to change? What conversations do we need to be having apart from this kind
[27:22.920 -> 27:27.760] of thing to try and drive change in this area, to just lead to more acceptance?
[27:27.760 -> 27:32.400] I think it's difficult and there's loads of great areas, I don't think that there's one
[27:32.400 -> 27:38.640] thing that we need to do, but I think we need to educate people in the sense that, I mean,
[27:38.640 -> 27:50.580] we are humans at the end of the day, you know, we have our issues, we have our problems, we have our day-to-days like everyone else and we, trust me, everyone in that
[27:50.580 -> 27:53.660] dressing room wants to give a hundred percent to win at the weekend and
[27:53.660 -> 27:56.980] sometimes it will happen and sometimes it won't but we're all different at the
[27:56.980 -> 28:01.960] same time and we need to accept that, you know, just because I pay money to watch
[28:01.960 -> 28:05.000] my team and my team doesn't win.
[28:05.320 -> 28:09.600] And then this guy is not training, I don't know,
[28:09.600 -> 28:11.000] 10 hours a day.
[28:11.000 -> 28:12.720] That means that I'm paying for no reason
[28:12.720 -> 28:13.620] and he should be doing.
[28:13.620 -> 28:16.500] I feel like somehow the way that football is,
[28:17.580 -> 28:19.480] lots of fans or people out there can feel like
[28:19.480 -> 28:22.000] they own a part of us because they spend money
[28:22.000 -> 28:22.840] in watching us.
[28:22.840 -> 28:25.400] And, you know, I get that, but at the same time,
[28:25.400 -> 28:27.440] you know, we just doing what we can
[28:27.440 -> 28:32.440] and we're doing our best and we have, you know,
[28:32.520 -> 28:35.680] our own lives in which we need to manage in the best way
[28:35.680 -> 28:38.720] that we think we can to be able to give the fans
[28:38.720 -> 28:40.840] what they're really asking us for.
[28:40.840 -> 28:42.920] But that doesn't mean that every single player,
[28:42.920 -> 28:46.080] a person is gonna get to that level in the same way.
[28:46.080 -> 28:48.280] Some players like you see the Michael Jordan documentary,
[28:48.280 -> 28:49.480] like he's obsessed, you know,
[28:49.480 -> 28:50.720] and that's what people think that,
[28:50.720 -> 28:52.920] oh, every single player has to be like this.
[28:52.920 -> 28:55.000] But trust me, I know so many players at the top level
[28:55.000 -> 28:57.160] that they're not like that at all, you know?
[28:57.160 -> 29:00.440] And it's being like that even healthy to that human being,
[29:00.440 -> 29:01.640] cause I'm watching that documentary
[29:01.640 -> 29:04.080] and I don't know if he was, you know?
[29:04.080 -> 29:05.720] And people's opinion can change.
[29:05.720 -> 29:10.040] But for me, the most important thing for me is to be happy
[29:10.040 -> 29:14.360] and to find a way in which I can be at the best level
[29:14.360 -> 29:17.280] so I can make these fans happy, you know?
[29:17.280 -> 29:21.460] And to me, that is not being obsessed with the game 24 seven.
[29:21.460 -> 29:25.880] To me, it's like discovering myself away from the game and, you know,
[29:25.880 -> 29:31.680] my family, my people, my community, and being able to reach a headspace that
[29:31.680 -> 29:34.040] when it comes to Saturday, I'm 100% ready.
[29:34.040 -> 29:34.600] Steve McLaughlin
[29:34.600 -> 29:38.960] See, I love that phrase there about being happy, because in my experience of
[29:38.960 -> 29:42.840] working with team sector, it's a phrase that I often talk to coaches about and
[29:42.840 -> 29:45.080] say, happy teams tend to win. You want people to perform at their best. It's a phrase that I often talk to coaches about and say, happy teams tend to win.
[29:45.080 -> 29:47.280] You want people to perform at their best.
[29:47.280 -> 29:49.480] It's about happiness.
[29:49.480 -> 29:52.160] How frequent is that conversation in the dressing rooms
[29:52.160 -> 29:53.840] that you've been around?
[29:53.840 -> 29:58.840] Well, I think it's very, very, very important
[29:59.280 -> 30:01.080] to have a good team mood
[30:01.080 -> 30:04.320] and like that the dressing room works well.
[30:04.320 -> 30:08.040] And for me, that's personally always been really important,
[30:08.040 -> 30:10.400] mainly because the only reason why I started playing football
[30:10.400 -> 30:12.600] as a kid is because I love celebrating goals.
[30:12.600 -> 30:15.200] I didn't care about like passing or anything.
[30:15.200 -> 30:17.480] I just wanted to score a goal so I could celebrate, you know?
[30:17.480 -> 30:21.560] So the team effect for me was always so important.
[30:21.560 -> 30:24.400] Happy can mean anything, but I think having a good mood
[30:24.400 -> 30:25.840] in which like every
[30:25.840 -> 30:29.600] player wants to come and train every day, they want to give their 100%, they want to make sure
[30:29.600 -> 30:34.080] they bring their energy to the rest of the squad and you know there's someone injured so we help
[30:34.080 -> 30:39.040] him and we do all of this you know. I think that's very important because when things go well and the
[30:39.040 -> 30:45.640] results are good, no one really cares about that, everything is overseen. But when things don't go well,
[30:45.640 -> 30:47.620] if you don't have that mattress at the bottom,
[30:47.620 -> 30:48.720] that's when you're going to crash.
[30:48.720 -> 30:53.720] So I think those little non-written rules of like respect
[30:54.180 -> 30:59.020] and camaraderie or, you know, helping each other,
[30:59.020 -> 31:01.340] asking questions to each other, being humble,
[31:01.340 -> 31:04.560] being, you know, all the players helping younger players
[31:04.560 -> 31:05.040] and all this synergy that you need in the dressing room, I think is really important. each other, being humble, being, you know, all the players helping younger players and
[31:05.040 -> 31:09.520] all this synergy that you need in the dressing room, I think is really important. And you see
[31:09.520 -> 31:14.320] in the top teams, at the top, you see that without even getting into the dressing room, you see that
[31:14.320 -> 31:19.520] that part of the homework they've done. And let me just mention again, the documentary that you've
[31:19.520 -> 31:23.520] briefly mentioned, it's on YouTube for people and it's you over overcoming your injury.
[31:23.520 -> 31:27.560] Picking up on the point you just made then, how important is it for you to show
[31:27.560 -> 31:31.600] vulnerability at work? And I wonder whether part of the documentary was an
[31:31.600 -> 31:33.680] opportunity to show a vulnerable side?
[31:33.680 -> 31:35.840] Well for me it was really important
[31:35.840 -> 31:45.000] because also that for me is a way to educate and to show people what it is to be a man in 2021
[31:45.980 -> 31:48.100] or in 2020 or whatever it was,
[31:48.100 -> 31:52.420] because I don't believe in the stereotypes of the past
[31:52.420 -> 31:55.140] and I don't think that is healthy for men or for women
[31:55.140 -> 31:56.700] or for kids growing up or for anything.
[31:56.700 -> 31:59.940] So if I can have, you know,
[31:59.940 -> 32:02.740] kids or younger people looking up to me
[32:02.740 -> 32:06.480] and I'm able to give them another side of the story.
[32:06.480 -> 32:08.880] The fact that a man can be vulnerable,
[32:08.880 -> 32:10.720] a man can talk about his feelings,
[32:10.720 -> 32:13.380] a man goes through dark times,
[32:13.380 -> 32:16.520] and I'm not a superhero that is just there on TV
[32:16.520 -> 32:17.360] every Saturday.
[32:17.360 -> 32:21.600] I go through loads of issues and good times as well,
[32:21.600 -> 32:23.880] and I enjoy them in the same way.
[32:23.880 -> 32:26.220] And if I don't enjoy them, they make me learn.
[32:26.220 -> 32:28.520] And for me showing that vulnerability
[32:28.520 -> 32:31.780] and for me showing that more,
[32:31.780 -> 32:35.040] let's say feminine side of a man is important
[32:35.040 -> 32:39.440] because I think that is the only way that a man
[32:39.440 -> 32:41.800] or any person can be healthy if you have both sides.
[32:41.800 -> 32:44.320] And if you are able to be in touch with your feelings
[32:44.320 -> 32:45.860] and if you're able to express them, if you are able to be in touch with your feelings and if you're able to express them,
[32:45.860 -> 32:47.960] if you are able to talk about them,
[32:47.960 -> 32:52.320] then only then you can also help other people
[32:52.320 -> 32:54.220] because if you cannot even help yourself,
[32:54.220 -> 32:55.460] how are you gonna help other people?
[32:55.460 -> 32:58.480] So I feel like putting that out there
[32:58.480 -> 33:02.340] was very helpful to me and very therapeutic to me,
[33:02.340 -> 33:07.040] but hopefully that also shed a light in ways that hopefully
[33:07.040 -> 33:10.400] younger kids can get inspired by that, that there's nothing wrong with that.
[33:10.400 -> 33:13.440] Do you see a difference now with the young players that are coming through, say at Arsenal,
[33:14.080 -> 33:19.120] you've been there 10 years, compared to 10 years ago, is there more vulnerability? Is there less
[33:19.120 -> 33:23.280] toxic masculinity among those young players or is it still a work in progress?
[33:23.280 -> 33:25.880] I think there's still a work in progress? I think there's still a work in progress.
[33:25.880 -> 33:30.880] And I think there's not as much inherited toxic masculinity,
[33:32.000 -> 33:35.600] but there is still not so much acceptance
[33:35.600 -> 33:36.800] in the world of football.
[33:36.800 -> 33:38.680] It's kind of like, you have to be that way.
[33:38.680 -> 33:42.400] So even if you're young and you don't think
[33:42.400 -> 33:44.320] in the same way that other people do,
[33:44.320 -> 33:46.080] it's like I was when I was young, you know,
[33:46.080 -> 33:48.360] I still didn't feel ready to be myself.
[33:48.360 -> 33:49.840] So I still see that,
[33:49.840 -> 33:54.840] but I do see more individuals wanting to be themselves,
[33:55.660 -> 33:59.560] caring less about the norms of the game
[33:59.560 -> 34:01.420] or like the dressing room and stuff,
[34:01.420 -> 34:03.960] which in a way it pisses a lot of people off
[34:03.960 -> 34:05.800] and say like, oh, this is younger players, they don't respect the older ones, which is which in a way, it pisses a lot of people off and say like, oh, this is younger players,
[34:05.800 -> 34:07.920] they don't respect the older ones,
[34:07.920 -> 34:09.280] which is true in a way,
[34:09.280 -> 34:11.080] but at the same time, they're being individuals
[34:11.080 -> 34:12.760] and they're expressing themselves in the way they are
[34:12.760 -> 34:14.720] and they don't really care about the rules that are written.
[34:14.720 -> 34:15.760] So I respect that too.
[34:15.760 -> 34:18.400] And I feel that that is the starting point
[34:18.400 -> 34:20.680] towards being more individualistic in the sense
[34:20.680 -> 34:22.560] that I don't care what people say, this is the way I am.
[34:22.560 -> 34:25.160] If you either, you know, you either like me
[34:25.160 -> 34:26.000] or you don't like me.
[34:26.000 -> 34:27.960] Obviously I feel in everything, there's rules, you know,
[34:27.960 -> 34:29.120] you're part of a team.
[34:29.120 -> 34:30.520] So there's certain things that
[34:30.520 -> 34:31.680] if you want to be part of the team,
[34:31.680 -> 34:33.360] the same things that you need to stick to
[34:33.360 -> 34:34.840] and you need to do and things you can't do.
[34:34.840 -> 34:36.240] But in the same time,
[34:36.240 -> 34:38.840] there's more freedom to express themselves, which I like.
[34:38.840 -> 34:41.640] Have you ever had anybody within that environment
[34:41.640 -> 34:45.960] say to you, wind your neck in or stop doing this, stop posting on?
[34:45.960 -> 34:46.800] Yeah, I've had that.
[34:46.800 -> 34:47.620] I've had that.
[34:47.620 -> 34:49.120] I've had people, I mean, I'm not gonna say names,
[34:49.120 -> 34:50.480] but I've had people from the club,
[34:50.480 -> 34:54.480] I've had like coaching staff and sometimes not so much,
[34:54.480 -> 34:56.160] or maybe when I was younger, yes,
[34:56.160 -> 34:58.800] but now that I'm older, not so much telling me not to do it,
[34:58.800 -> 35:00.360] but asking me why I did it.
[35:00.360 -> 35:01.200] And then when they ask me,
[35:01.200 -> 35:02.840] I give them a good enough answer that they're like,
[35:02.840 -> 35:03.800] okay, yeah, that makes sense.
[35:03.800 -> 35:06.580] Because I don't feel like I'm someone, I'm impulsive,
[35:06.580 -> 35:08.440] but at the same time,
[35:08.440 -> 35:11.880] I don't do something without thinking about it before,
[35:11.880 -> 35:14.280] or without having the information that I need,
[35:14.280 -> 35:17.680] or all my views or my opinions that I've put out there,
[35:17.680 -> 35:18.600] they're there for a reason.
[35:18.600 -> 35:21.280] And they're not just like tweeting the moment.
[35:21.280 -> 35:22.120] It's always thought of,
[35:22.120 -> 35:24.240] I have friends where whenever I'm like,
[35:24.240 -> 35:25.240] I really wanna say something, I'm like, what do you think about saying this? And they're like, okay, I have friends where, whenever I'm like, I really wanna say something,
[35:25.240 -> 35:26.840] I'm like, what do you think about saying this?
[35:26.840 -> 35:28.840] And they're like, okay, heck, think about it.
[35:28.840 -> 35:29.880] Or maybe let's post it tomorrow.
[35:29.880 -> 35:30.880] Let's see how the situation is.
[35:30.880 -> 35:32.940] And that kind of like, I have another chance
[35:32.940 -> 35:35.200] to like think about it and how to express it
[35:35.200 -> 35:36.040] in a different way.
[35:36.040 -> 35:38.760] So obviously I have people around me that are helping me
[35:38.760 -> 35:41.320] and, you know, cause probably in other situations
[35:41.320 -> 35:42.200] I could have made mistakes,
[35:42.200 -> 35:45.420] but I tried that everything I do and everything I say
[35:45.420 -> 35:47.100] to be backed up.
[35:47.100 -> 35:50.100] And when people, and I don't say that to say like,
[35:50.100 -> 35:52.220] yo guys, this is the way we should all think.
[35:52.220 -> 35:53.500] No, I think I just put it out there
[35:53.500 -> 35:55.140] because I want people to talk to me and say,
[35:55.140 -> 35:56.700] oh, but this is not like this.
[35:56.700 -> 35:59.660] And then it's about understanding each other, you know,
[35:59.660 -> 36:01.900] because when you raise a awareness about something,
[36:01.900 -> 36:03.180] then there's gonna be a conversation
[36:03.180 -> 36:05.160] and maybe someone that hasn't heard it before
[36:05.160 -> 36:08.300] or they already had like preconceptions of that topic,
[36:08.300 -> 36:09.520] then they can see the other side
[36:09.520 -> 36:10.480] and maybe they won't agree,
[36:10.480 -> 36:12.120] but at least they will know that there's people out there
[36:12.120 -> 36:13.200] that they just feel different.
[36:13.200 -> 36:16.080] So it's more to me, it's about understanding each other
[36:16.080 -> 36:18.280] and why we think in different ways.
[36:18.280 -> 36:21.960] And if I can be a part of putting that conversation out there
[36:21.960 -> 36:23.820] and even get younger kids
[36:23.820 -> 36:26.420] that have never been interested in politics before or never interested
[36:26.420 -> 36:28.880] in environment before, and they can start researching
[36:28.880 -> 36:32.000] or maybe making more conscious choices
[36:32.000 -> 36:33.140] about the way they live their life.
[36:33.140 -> 36:36.620] If it's only one kid or one person,
[36:36.620 -> 36:38.120] then to me, it's like a big win.
[36:38.120 -> 36:39.520] So can you give us an example
[36:39.520 -> 36:43.360] of where you've challenged a convention
[36:43.360 -> 36:45.840] and somebody has been curious enough to
[36:45.840 -> 36:51.840] understand it that has changed the perception or a judgment within your
[36:51.840 -> 36:52.920] working environment?
[36:52.920 -> 36:59.200] Well for me my diet was like one of them. I think for example when I mean
[36:59.200 -> 37:02.240] I've been vegan for four years now and the first time that I asked a
[37:02.240 -> 37:06.840] nutritionist which was probably six years ago about going vegetarian,
[37:06.840 -> 37:07.920] his answer was like,
[37:07.920 -> 37:11.080] our caveman used to hand, so we need me.
[37:11.080 -> 37:12.880] Okay. So I was like, cool.
[37:12.880 -> 37:15.640] At that time I was still in that stage where, you know,
[37:15.640 -> 37:17.400] as I said, I was already thinking about going,
[37:17.400 -> 37:19.120] at that time I was vegetarian, wasn't vegan yet,
[37:19.120 -> 37:20.360] but I was really thinking about that stuff,
[37:20.360 -> 37:22.640] but I wasn't ready to even like say,
[37:22.640 -> 37:24.200] it doesn't matter what he said, I'm going to do it anyway.
[37:24.200 -> 37:25.220] I wasn't there. But two say, oh, it doesn't matter what he said, I'm gonna do it anyway. I wasn't there.
[37:25.220 -> 37:28.900] But two years later, after researching and information,
[37:28.900 -> 37:31.560] I spoke to David Hay one day that I met him at dinner
[37:31.560 -> 37:33.640] and he said he'd become vegan for a few years.
[37:33.640 -> 37:36.120] And he wishes that he would have done that before
[37:36.120 -> 37:37.200] because it's helped him so much.
[37:37.200 -> 37:40.000] So, certain things happened that pushed me to do it.
[37:40.000 -> 37:42.560] And then no one really asked questions.
[37:42.560 -> 37:46.800] Then I had my ACL and there was a period where
[37:46.800 -> 37:49.900] after my ACL that for two, three months,
[37:49.900 -> 37:52.120] I kept getting niggles everywhere, you know,
[37:52.120 -> 37:53.320] especially on my right leg.
[37:53.320 -> 37:55.460] I felt like there was a bit of like still
[37:55.460 -> 37:56.940] my right leg wanted to compensate.
[37:56.940 -> 37:59.880] Cause even though you healed and the structure is fine,
[37:59.880 -> 38:01.800] deep in your subconscious, it's like, I'm going to run,
[38:01.800 -> 38:03.160] probably put more weight on my right leg
[38:03.160 -> 38:07.600] because there's still trauma in that leg, you know? So I kept getting lots of issues. And then
[38:07.600 -> 38:13.360] few of members in the team and, you know, nutritionists or conditioning coaches were like,
[38:13.360 -> 38:17.520] oh, maybe we need to look at your diet, you know, which is fine, which is understandable,
[38:17.520 -> 38:21.840] because there's fine margins, you know, you can get injuries for anything. And I truly believe
[38:22.640 -> 38:26.720] in looking at life in like a holistic way, You don't get injured because you misstep there.
[38:26.720 -> 38:27.960] You get injured because you're probably,
[38:27.960 -> 38:29.800] you're not eating well, you're not sleeping well,
[38:29.800 -> 38:31.400] you are stressed, da, da, da, da, da, da.
[38:31.400 -> 38:33.920] So those are the responses that to me,
[38:33.920 -> 38:37.360] like affect your body more than anything else.
[38:37.360 -> 38:41.040] So I said, look, we can target any other things,
[38:41.040 -> 38:45.280] but I'm pretty sure that that diet is not my issue.
[38:45.280 -> 38:50.400] So we targeted what we thought it was apart from the diet and this year I've
[38:50.400 -> 38:54.640] been able to stay healthy for throughout the whole Premier League, you know, I've
[38:54.640 -> 38:58.480] played like I think like 30 games or something this year, I've played like
[38:58.480 -> 39:03.240] six games in a row which I didn't do since before my injury and you know it's
[39:03.240 -> 39:05.220] been it's been fine in terms of that
[39:05.220 -> 39:09.600] So I was able to prove that you know, that wasn't the issue. There was another issue
[39:09.660 -> 39:11.760] But we sorted it out anyway
[39:11.760 -> 39:17.340] And then in any change Hector, it takes the the initiator to go first like this
[39:17.680 -> 39:21.220] Who's been the followers? Have you had people that have come to you and
[39:21.860 -> 39:25.160] Explored that diet issue and taken on veganism?
[39:25.160 -> 39:27.840] So there's been loads of players that they've asked me
[39:27.840 -> 39:30.480] about like, oh, what do you eat instead of meat?
[39:30.480 -> 39:31.640] Or what do you do in here?
[39:31.640 -> 39:33.080] What do you do there?
[39:33.080 -> 39:34.920] If you don't drink milk, what do you drink?
[39:34.920 -> 39:35.960] And things like that.
[39:35.960 -> 39:37.880] There hasn't been players that have gone fully vegan,
[39:37.880 -> 39:39.800] at least at the club or that I know of.
[39:39.800 -> 39:42.560] There's a lot of members of the staff that have,
[39:42.560 -> 39:44.040] but it's true that there's,
[39:44.040 -> 39:46.560] I feel like players are eating less meat every day
[39:46.560 -> 39:49.280] and are eating less animal products every day,
[39:49.280 -> 39:52.320] which to me is a big win in many ways anyway,
[39:52.320 -> 39:53.240] not just for the environment,
[39:53.240 -> 39:54.480] but I think for health and everything.
[39:54.480 -> 39:56.480] For me, I mean, it's been one of the best things
[39:56.480 -> 39:57.560] I've ever done.
[39:57.560 -> 40:00.320] And yeah, I think there's more interest.
[40:00.320 -> 40:03.520] Also, it's like more like mainstream now,
[40:03.520 -> 40:04.800] you know, more people want to do it,
[40:04.800 -> 40:06.160] more people are getting informed
[40:06.160 -> 40:08.600] and people ask the questions now
[40:08.600 -> 40:09.880] and they want to try new things.
[40:09.880 -> 40:13.240] And also I feel like during COVID, a lot of people like,
[40:13.240 -> 40:15.600] you know, they were thinking a lot about their choices
[40:15.600 -> 40:17.200] and everything that they did day to day.
[40:17.200 -> 40:20.280] So I think in football, there's still a long way to go
[40:20.280 -> 40:22.520] because there's so many things that have worked
[40:22.520 -> 40:24.160] for so many years that it's difficult
[40:24.160 -> 40:28.640] to always make that change. And I think it's a slow process. And, you know, I was probably
[40:28.640 -> 40:32.200] the first one to ask, you know, that there'll be someone after me and there's, you know,
[40:32.200 -> 40:35.800] fresh green rovers that are doing it at club level and, you know, slowly we're going to
[40:35.800 -> 40:38.600] get there. And if we won't, we won't, but I think people will be more conscious.
[40:38.600 -> 40:39.600] Mason Jones
[40:39.600 -> 40:40.600] Moving the dial.
[40:40.600 -> 40:42.040] Olajumoke Yeah, moving the dial. And people, at least
[40:42.040 -> 40:45.600] when they eat meat or the amounts of time they eat meat
[40:45.600 -> 40:48.640] they will change or at least they will ask themselves why are they doing that, you know.
[40:48.640 -> 40:53.040] So do you think that you're an outlier in football because you think differently but then you act
[40:53.040 -> 40:57.680] upon it? And actually there's loads of people in football that think differently but they haven't
[40:57.680 -> 41:00.480] quite reached the point you have where they're happy to act upon it.
[41:00.480 -> 41:05.720] I think I'm lucky also in the people that I've had around me because
[41:05.720 -> 41:10.680] I've had my doubts throughout all this process and you know it wasn't
[41:10.680 -> 41:15.880] everything even the journey of like getting to a place which I'm
[41:15.880 -> 41:19.960] comfortable talking and doing all this stuff it's because the people around me
[41:19.960 -> 41:23.520] have supported me to doing that you know and they've been like I don't care about
[41:23.520 -> 41:26.200] what people say this is what you want to do you do that, you know? And there have been like, I don't care about what people say. This is what you wanna do, you do that.
[41:26.200 -> 41:27.880] Or, you know, you wanna go vegan, try it.
[41:27.880 -> 41:29.320] Do it for a month, do it for two weeks,
[41:29.320 -> 41:31.400] but don't do it half-assed, do it properly, you know?
[41:31.400 -> 41:33.200] And when I went vegan, my best friend
[41:33.200 -> 41:35.280] and the chef that was helping me at home,
[41:35.280 -> 41:36.280] they both went vegan, you know?
[41:36.280 -> 41:38.040] So I had, you know, all of a sudden,
[41:38.040 -> 41:39.800] just cause I wanted to, they helped me, you know?
[41:39.800 -> 41:42.360] And they did it with me and they felt that
[41:42.360 -> 41:44.080] they wanted to put themselves through
[41:44.080 -> 41:45.200] what I was putting myself through
[41:45.200 -> 41:46.400] and see how it affected.
[41:46.400 -> 41:49.200] And my best friend is still vegan to today.
[41:49.200 -> 41:50.280] My chef is not vegan anymore,
[41:50.280 -> 41:52.320] but her choices have changed so much
[41:52.320 -> 41:54.800] since like the beginning when she was.
[41:54.800 -> 41:56.720] So I felt so lucky and so grateful
[41:56.720 -> 41:58.840] that the people that I've met along the way
[41:58.840 -> 42:01.240] and my family that have always been there
[42:01.240 -> 42:03.380] and the people I have met in football
[42:03.380 -> 42:09.280] and outside of football have helped me to flourish, have helped me to stay in my lane and have helped me
[42:09.280 -> 42:14.000] to focus on the goal that I've always had because my vision was always there
[42:14.000 -> 42:20.080] and sometimes you can lose a little bit the sight of it but I feel the people
[42:20.080 -> 42:22.840] that you have around you are so important into getting you back on track.
[42:22.840 -> 42:25.440] So do you believe that your decision
[42:25.440 -> 42:28.280] to take the path least trodden
[42:28.280 -> 42:32.480] has adversely affected your professional career?
[42:32.480 -> 42:33.560] Not at all.
[42:33.560 -> 42:34.400] Right.
[42:34.400 -> 42:38.360] Because I think what summarizes me doing those things
[42:38.360 -> 42:42.440] is I'm always searching for what can make me better.
[42:42.440 -> 42:43.280] You know?
[42:43.280 -> 42:44.560] And my girlfriend always laughs at me
[42:44.560 -> 42:45.740] in the way that sometimes she says,
[42:45.740 -> 42:46.940] like, you need to chill, you know?
[42:46.940 -> 42:47.780] There's something like,
[42:47.780 -> 42:49.660] I think there's this little thing that if you eat,
[42:49.660 -> 42:50.500] it makes you feel like this,
[42:50.500 -> 42:52.780] or like, I think I need to sleep one more hour every day.
[42:52.780 -> 42:53.980] And always, you know,
[42:53.980 -> 42:56.780] I'm put like new routines or new disciplines
[42:56.780 -> 42:58.860] that I feel that can make me feel better the day after,
[42:58.860 -> 43:00.740] or like the week after, and all these things, you know?
[43:00.740 -> 43:02.180] I'm always eager to try those things.
[43:02.180 -> 43:06.500] So I'm not in any way afraid that I'm like that,
[43:06.500 -> 43:08.700] that I feel that is what's put me in the position
[43:08.700 -> 43:09.540] that I am today.
[43:09.540 -> 43:11.540] And if I wasn't in that way,
[43:11.540 -> 43:14.380] I probably wouldn't even have the right to ask all that.
[43:14.380 -> 43:15.780] So it's very easy to say like,
[43:15.780 -> 43:18.780] oh, has it made it worse?
[43:18.780 -> 43:19.620] Has it made it better?
[43:19.620 -> 43:21.400] But I think I wouldn't be here in the first place.
[43:21.400 -> 43:25.880] And to me, my goal or my reason why I do
[43:25.880 -> 43:31.800] what I do has changed all along the years, but I think for me, winning trophies
[43:31.800 -> 43:35.520] or all this stuff, my perception of that has changed a lot, you know, and the
[43:35.520 -> 43:39.520] reason why I do what I do is because I want to inspire and I want to be content with
[43:39.520 -> 43:44.760] what I do and I don't care if my road is different to anyone else. There's so many
[43:44.760 -> 43:45.920] ways of doing it, you know,
[43:45.920 -> 43:48.720] just because players are this way in the past
[43:48.720 -> 43:50.240] doesn't mean we have to be like that in the future.
[43:50.240 -> 43:54.040] And I'm so at ease with myself
[43:54.040 -> 43:56.760] and so proud of myself in that way
[43:56.760 -> 43:58.920] that I'm just who I am
[43:58.920 -> 44:02.080] and I'm riding this wave in my own way,
[44:02.080 -> 44:04.120] which whatever is happening in the outside
[44:04.120 -> 44:05.960] or however people want me to be instead.
[44:05.960 -> 44:11.280] You are the epitome of a growth mindset in every sort of respect when we have this conversation,
[44:11.280 -> 44:15.760] you know, everything that you're talking about comes from a growth mindset. I'm really interested,
[44:15.760 -> 44:19.160] you mentioned there about it was once just about winning trophies. Now it's about everything
[44:19.160 -> 44:23.520] else. I think it's important to explain to people, right? That let's say when you were
[44:23.520 -> 44:25.920] 15 or 16 and your only focus
[44:25.920 -> 44:31.320] was winning a trophy. When you're 26, you can still have focus on loads of other areas,
[44:31.320 -> 44:36.880] but let's be absolutely clear to people listening to this, that doesn't mean you have less focus
[44:36.880 -> 44:40.480] on winning a trophy and having a successful football career, because I think that that
[44:40.480 -> 44:43.600] is the mistake people make. They think, oh, right, he's focusing on this, he's... It's
[44:43.600 -> 44:45.400] like when you have a kid, you love your first kid,
[44:45.400 -> 44:46.680] you have your second kid,
[44:46.680 -> 44:48.840] you find loads of love for the second kid,
[44:48.840 -> 44:51.040] but you don't love the first kid any less.
[44:51.040 -> 44:51.880] Does that make sense?
[44:51.880 -> 44:53.920] Yeah, and because right now,
[44:53.920 -> 44:56.000] I'm not playing football just for that.
[44:56.000 -> 44:57.320] Now I'm playing football to enjoy,
[44:57.320 -> 45:00.120] I'm playing football to be,
[45:00.120 -> 45:02.640] I think what my focus has been a lot lately,
[45:02.640 -> 45:05.120] it's like to be a better player than I was yesterday
[45:06.480 -> 45:10.080] Whereas before I didn't really care about that I just wanted to get there and now I'm just wanna I know that if I get better every day
[45:10.480 -> 45:12.080] I'm gonna get closer to be there
[45:12.080 -> 45:16.160] So like my my my goal is like more focused than it was before
[45:16.560 -> 45:19.600] Because you said like for example when I was 16, I wanted to win a trophy, right?
[45:19.600 -> 45:24.000] But when I was 16, actually my focus was I want to get my family out of where they are
[45:24.160 -> 45:26.280] You know having difficult times in Spain,
[45:26.280 -> 45:28.100] the crisis in 2008 and everything.
[45:28.100 -> 45:29.180] And that was my goal.
[45:29.180 -> 45:31.340] And then I signed for Arsenal, you know,
[45:31.340 -> 45:33.820] it's kinda like my motivation started to get a bit different
[45:33.820 -> 45:35.460] and then it got to a point that I signed,
[45:35.460 -> 45:37.340] I think it was my second or third professional contract
[45:37.340 -> 45:38.240] at Arsenal.
[45:38.240 -> 45:41.100] And I suffered like a lack of motivation
[45:41.100 -> 45:43.260] and I didn't know what it was, you know?
[45:43.260 -> 45:45.880] And I was speaking to the psychologist at the club and stuff
[45:45.880 -> 45:47.160] And I was like, what's changed? What's changing?
[45:47.160 -> 45:51.360] I had just bought a house in Barcelona and then my family were living there and I was like, whoa
[45:51.360 -> 45:56.700] So everything that I've been working for all these years now, I've been able to do it now
[45:56.700 -> 46:00.120] I feel like what am I playing for? You know, cuz my family already out
[46:00.220 -> 46:06.560] So then I had to refocus and then then at that time, this is a few years ago,
[46:06.560 -> 46:08.540] my refocus was like, I had just won,
[46:08.540 -> 46:12.280] I think right back off the year in the Premier League,
[46:12.280 -> 46:15.400] the FA team of the year, yeah.
[46:15.400 -> 46:17.400] So I was like, now I wanna be in the Champions League
[46:17.400 -> 46:18.800] team of the year or whatever, right?
[46:18.800 -> 46:20.320] I wanna be the best right back in the world.
[46:20.320 -> 46:22.920] And I felt like, yeah, cool, that motivated me,
[46:22.920 -> 46:24.360] but that wasn't focused enough.
[46:24.360 -> 46:27.840] That was just too vague and was too, I don't know,
[46:27.840 -> 46:30.280] I feel like I couldn't put, I couldn't touch it,
[46:30.280 -> 46:31.680] if that makes sense, you know?
[46:31.680 -> 46:33.160] Whereas now it's like,
[46:33.160 -> 46:35.080] I wanna be better than what I was yesterday.
[46:35.080 -> 46:36.480] And I know how I was yesterday,
[46:36.480 -> 46:37.720] so I know how I can be today.
[46:37.720 -> 46:38.540] So this is real.
[46:38.540 -> 46:41.160] And I feel like if I focus on that every day,
[46:41.160 -> 46:43.480] I'm gonna get closer and closer to where I can be.
[46:43.480 -> 46:45.080] And you know what's really important about that
[46:45.080 -> 46:48.400] is we spoke to a lady on the podcast called Susie Ma
[46:48.400 -> 46:50.660] and she spoke about something called infinite purpose.
[46:50.660 -> 46:51.800] She said, you need to have your purpose,
[46:51.800 -> 46:52.640] but it can't have an end.
[46:52.640 -> 46:54.320] And the brilliant thing about being better
[46:54.320 -> 46:57.040] than you were yesterday in every facet of your life
[46:57.040 -> 46:59.400] is that no matter how good you are tomorrow,
[46:59.400 -> 47:00.960] the day after you need to be even better.
[47:00.960 -> 47:02.120] It doesn't stop.
[47:02.120 -> 47:04.080] It's about the journey, not the destination.
[47:04.080 -> 47:06.200] For sure, because that puts a limit on yourself,
[47:06.200 -> 47:07.160] you know, and winning trophies,
[47:07.160 -> 47:09.480] I've won like six trophies with Arsenal, you know?
[47:09.480 -> 47:11.000] So if it was like, oh, I just win the FA Cup,
[47:11.000 -> 47:11.840] and then what?
[47:11.840 -> 47:13.960] I win the league, or I win the Champions League.
[47:13.960 -> 47:15.640] Once you do that, then what, you know?
[47:15.640 -> 47:18.200] And to me, being better than how I was yesterday,
[47:18.200 -> 47:20.480] and being, make sure that I'm more focused
[47:20.480 -> 47:22.360] than I was yesterday, and that I win more duels
[47:22.360 -> 47:25.040] than I won yesterday, and that, that to me is like, it's real, because I remember what I did yesterday, so I win more duels than I won yesterday and that to me is like
[47:29.920 -> 47:35.520] it's real because I remember what I did yesterday so I can always be better than yesterday and I know deep in my mind that that is also gonna get me closer to what has always been there which is
[47:35.520 -> 47:40.400] the trophies or which is like you know being as high on the table as we can be whatever it is
[47:40.400 -> 47:51.020] your goal but I think it's like a smaller goal that is more real, that is more individual and it's more for me and you know, it truly, I can see it and it makes
[47:51.020 -> 47:55.420] me happier to achieve it.
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[48:31.480 -> 48:36.640] So does that mean you should use ads on LinkedIn instead of hiring me, the man with the deepest
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[49:32.000 -> 49:37.920] On our podcast we love to highlight businesses that are doing things a better way so you can live a better life and that's why when I found Mint Mobile I had to share. So Mint Mobile ditched
[49:37.920 -> 49:43.600] retail stores and all those overhead costs and instead sells their phone plans online and passes
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[50:42.600 -> 51:05.160] offer and your new three month unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month So help us
[51:05.160 -> 51:09.040] understand then Hector, for anyone listening to this, what kind of questions
[51:09.040 -> 51:14.400] did you start asking yourself to come to that understanding that you had a
[51:14.400 -> 51:19.520] different purpose than what you'd had prior to that? Well I feel like this, as
[51:19.520 -> 51:28.800] I'm learning about myself and I'm learning about mental health and I'm learning about how to overcome my issues is,
[51:28.800 -> 51:30.920] I feel like we're all always in this journey
[51:30.920 -> 51:32.240] of like understanding ourselves
[51:32.240 -> 51:33.600] and how we deal with our feelings.
[51:33.600 -> 51:36.280] And we never really fully reach like happiness
[51:36.280 -> 51:37.120] as there is, you know,
[51:37.120 -> 51:39.620] there's always like a problem coming kind of thing.
[51:39.620 -> 51:43.760] But when I started listening to my feelings
[51:43.760 -> 51:45.260] and speaking to people about it,
[51:45.260 -> 51:47.320] I realized that there was many more issues
[51:47.320 -> 51:49.360] that I thought that they were, you know,
[51:49.360 -> 51:52.280] and I just wasn't listening to myself enough
[51:52.280 -> 51:54.320] or I was just avoiding them and stuff like this.
[51:54.320 -> 51:59.320] So I feel that the way that we are brought up
[52:00.760 -> 52:04.200] and we're raised when we play team sports as kids
[52:05.360 -> 52:09.800] is very detrimental to a kid growing up
[52:09.800 -> 52:11.920] because you basically telling this kid
[52:11.920 -> 52:13.480] you only as good as your last game.
[52:13.480 -> 52:17.280] So if you're good, great, everyone's chanting your name.
[52:17.280 -> 52:18.640] If you score six goals,
[52:18.640 -> 52:20.440] you basically humiliate someone else,
[52:20.440 -> 52:21.400] then you're even better.
[52:21.400 -> 52:22.920] And that's your response.
[52:22.920 -> 52:24.600] So it gets to a point that, you know,
[52:24.600 -> 52:27.600] football is not about enjoying anymore.
[52:27.600 -> 52:28.440] It's more about like,
[52:28.440 -> 52:30.200] you have to be better than someone else.
[52:30.200 -> 52:31.600] You have to like destroy someone,
[52:31.600 -> 52:34.080] destroy that team and like the bigger the better.
[52:34.080 -> 52:39.080] And it kind of like eliminates all compassion in your life
[52:39.760 -> 52:41.320] because football is our life.
[52:41.320 -> 52:43.520] So it's kind of like, it's all holistically,
[52:43.520 -> 52:45.560] you lose all those things around you.
[52:45.560 -> 52:49.440] And when I realized that in order for me to,
[52:49.440 -> 52:51.560] as a person be healthy and be more happy,
[52:51.560 -> 52:53.760] I needed to be more compassive,
[52:53.760 -> 52:56.060] then I also need to do that on the football pitch
[52:56.060 -> 52:58.420] because otherwise I'm like, well, am I two people?
[52:58.420 -> 53:02.820] Am I like having a duality in like my own personality?
[53:02.820 -> 53:05.800] So I need to like think about everything in that way.
[53:05.800 -> 53:07.040] So why am I playing football
[53:07.040 -> 53:10.080] for if I don't wanna humiliate this guy?
[53:10.080 -> 53:12.240] Well, I wanna play football because I love football.
[53:12.240 -> 53:13.080] I wanna play football
[53:13.080 -> 53:15.240] because that's what I've always wanted to do.
[53:15.240 -> 53:17.160] And I wanted to play football because,
[53:17.160 -> 53:18.880] you know, that's also my opportunity
[53:18.880 -> 53:21.720] to reach other people into this,
[53:21.720 -> 53:24.400] and, you know, and be a voice.
[53:24.400 -> 53:27.800] And so there's many deeper things
[53:27.800 -> 53:32.800] that are not what they taught me to be, you know,
[53:33.040 -> 53:36.040] and there's so many things that I still need to work on,
[53:36.040 -> 53:38.520] but for me to go into play football,
[53:38.520 -> 53:40.720] to be someone else or to be the best that I want to be,
[53:40.720 -> 53:44.040] to actually play football because I love it,
[53:44.040 -> 53:45.700] it has a complete different mindset. I struggle with that one a bit. I don't because as a play football because I love it. It has a completely different mindset.
[53:45.700 -> 53:46.900] I struggle with that one a bit.
[53:46.900 -> 53:51.800] I don't because as a football fan, I'm like, yeah, I want you to go out and not just be in your position.
[53:51.800 -> 53:55.400] But that's also, that's like the toxic masculinity that we're thinking about, you know,
[53:55.400 -> 53:57.600] because it's all about like beating someone else.
[53:57.600 -> 54:05.960] So then let me jump in there then and that's because I know there will be like kids football coaches or teachers listening to this.
[54:05.960 -> 54:08.240] What are the kind of messages they should be giving
[54:08.240 -> 54:09.960] to kids that are playing sport then
[54:09.960 -> 54:14.620] that goes more down the description that you're offering?
[54:14.620 -> 54:16.080] I think, especially when they're young,
[54:16.080 -> 54:18.600] it's all about playing and enjoying and with the friends
[54:18.600 -> 54:20.200] and always making it fun.
[54:20.200 -> 54:23.240] And, you know, and I don't know,
[54:23.240 -> 54:25.000] I don't feel like there's a way
[54:25.000 -> 54:28.500] in which we should teach kids that the result
[54:28.500 -> 54:32.500] or their performance is gonna be linked to their value.
[54:32.500 -> 54:36.000] It's like your value as a human,
[54:36.000 -> 54:38.000] I would say the analogy of like a candle,
[54:38.000 -> 54:39.500] it should always be like a candle
[54:39.500 -> 54:42.500] that's always burning at the same rate, right?
[54:42.500 -> 54:44.500] So your value is always this,
[54:44.500 -> 54:46.280] so it doesn't matter if you score a goal, it doesn't matter if you score always this. So it doesn't matter if you score a goal,
[54:46.280 -> 54:47.840] it doesn't matter if you score an own goal,
[54:47.840 -> 54:49.080] it doesn't matter if you lose, you always win.
[54:49.080 -> 54:50.520] Your value is always here.
[54:50.520 -> 54:52.960] In football, it's always a complete other way around.
[54:52.960 -> 54:55.500] It's like you score a goal, you win a trophy, boom.
[54:55.500 -> 54:56.960] But then you lose and you're down here.
[54:56.960 -> 54:58.440] So you're never in the middle.
[54:58.440 -> 55:01.220] And everything around you, all the voices around you,
[55:01.220 -> 55:03.560] your coach doesn't pick you if you don't play well,
[55:03.560 -> 55:08.100] the media doesn't talk good about you, but it's not that they don't talk good
[55:08.100 -> 55:12.800] about you, they talk bad. So they dig you a hole, you know, and then some of people
[55:12.800 -> 55:15.560] that you call friends, maybe you're not playing that well, but you know, they don't talk to
[55:15.560 -> 55:19.080] you as much and like, but then when you do well again, everyone is messaging you every
[55:19.080 -> 55:23.160] week and oh, what a great game you played, everyone on Instagram. So the condo is constantly
[55:23.160 -> 55:24.160] like this.
[55:24.160 -> 55:25.360] So you're being defined by what happens on a football field?
[55:25.360 -> 55:28.400] Yeah, you basically, your self-esteem is like performance self-esteem, it's not like,
[55:29.360 -> 55:32.640] you know, your value is dictated by your performance, which like,
[55:32.640 -> 55:37.200] not healthy human being can be happy with those metrics.
[55:37.200 -> 55:40.560] But then you have to hate losing and love winning to then be calm.
[55:40.560 -> 55:44.000] But then I thought when that candle was always burning so hard, then
[55:44.000 -> 55:45.960] it's so easy to get blown out at the same time.
[55:45.960 -> 55:49.280] So it's always constantly highs and lows, highs and lows.
[55:49.280 -> 55:52.120] Whereas I feel like a lot of people that are happy
[55:52.120 -> 55:53.480] are people that sometimes like,
[55:53.480 -> 55:56.620] they just work their nine to five, they have their family,
[55:56.620 -> 55:58.660] their life is always somehow in like the same wave.
[55:58.660 -> 56:02.560] And like, they appreciate things that, just simple things.
[56:02.560 -> 56:04.040] They appreciate waking up in the morning
[56:04.040 -> 56:06.040] and they taste the coffee and you know,
[56:06.040 -> 56:08.740] how far this coffee's come from and who's made,
[56:08.740 -> 56:11.060] you know, there's so many like enjoying the-
[56:11.060 -> 56:12.860] I relate, I feel jealous of people like that.
[56:12.860 -> 56:13.700] Don't you?
[56:13.700 -> 56:14.900] I see them and I think, I wish I could feel-
[56:14.900 -> 56:17.060] And I feel like I'm trying to become more of that.
[56:17.060 -> 56:19.700] And I'm trying to be enjoying more the little things
[56:19.700 -> 56:21.140] and the simple things in life.
[56:21.140 -> 56:23.520] And I think quarantine has been so great for so many people
[56:23.520 -> 56:26.080] because even just spending time with the kids at home when they were working in the office every single day of the week and things in life. And I think quarantine has been so great for so many people because even just spending time with the kids at home
[56:26.080 -> 56:28.560] when they were working in the office every single day
[56:28.560 -> 56:29.720] of the week and things like that.
[56:29.720 -> 56:32.080] And to me, it's made me appreciate more the sunset
[56:32.080 -> 56:34.080] and where I live, I can't even see the stars
[56:34.080 -> 56:35.120] where I couldn't see them in London.
[56:35.120 -> 56:37.340] And it's been great, you know, having those little moments.
[56:37.340 -> 56:41.080] But I think the way that we raise kids
[56:41.080 -> 56:43.560] playing in this kind of game,
[56:43.560 -> 56:46.760] it's not healthy for them when they become older.
[56:46.760 -> 56:49.480] So me knowing that, thank you,
[56:49.480 -> 56:53.400] me knowing that and then trying to get that out of my system
[56:53.400 -> 56:56.960] and trying to change my metrics in which,
[56:56.960 -> 56:59.640] how I measure my value as a human being,
[56:59.640 -> 57:02.360] and then at the same time having to perform every week.
[57:02.360 -> 57:04.920] So let me tell you why I love this.
[57:04.920 -> 57:07.440] I had a conversation with my young son,
[57:07.440 -> 57:09.880] plays rugby and a couple of years ago,
[57:09.880 -> 57:12.840] I spoke to his coaches and the question I asked him was,
[57:12.840 -> 57:15.160] what's the most obvious question parents ask a child
[57:15.160 -> 57:16.000] when they come off the field?
[57:16.000 -> 57:17.960] And the first question is, did you win?
[57:17.960 -> 57:20.160] And my question was, why would he care?
[57:20.160 -> 57:21.240] He's a nine year old boy,
[57:21.240 -> 57:24.400] why shouldn't have any bearing on whether he won or not?
[57:24.400 -> 57:27.720] The questions I suggested was, did you enjoy it? What did you learn?
[57:27.720 -> 57:30.000] How were you a good teammate?
[57:30.000 -> 57:32.800] I felt they were more productive questions.
[57:32.800 -> 57:36.720] So what questions do you ask yourself when you come off a field?
[57:36.720 -> 57:39.320] What are the questions that you ask yourself, Hector?
[57:39.320 -> 57:41.720] And let me tell you something about what you said before.
[57:41.720 -> 57:43.560] I think like also when you ask a kid, did you win?
[57:43.560 -> 57:47.280] That kid is also thinking like, wait, so if I didn't win,
[57:47.280 -> 57:48.800] are you going to treat me differently?
[57:48.800 -> 57:51.200] You know, it's like, is how you going to treat me
[57:51.200 -> 57:53.040] after this conversation going to change
[57:53.040 -> 57:54.320] if I won or I lost, you know?
[57:54.320 -> 57:57.680] So I think that as a kid, just even that fear or like that.
[57:57.680 -> 57:59.920] Yeah, but society puts winners here and losers here.
[57:59.920 -> 58:02.160] Yeah, and that's a bit of the issue as well, you know?
[58:02.160 -> 58:04.880] But obviously I understand that you win,
[58:04.880 -> 58:11.060] but winning should be a result of like really enjoying and wanting to be the best and I don't I'm not saying like competing
[58:11.160 -> 58:17.240] It's it's bad. Not at all. It's all about why do we do this? And I think that about everything
[58:17.240 -> 58:22.040] I don't think nothing in itself is bad. It's just like how and why you know
[58:22.040 -> 58:22.680] and
[58:22.680 -> 58:23.640] if you're
[58:23.640 -> 58:25.880] Addicted to competing like Michael Jordan,
[58:25.880 -> 58:27.120] and then he was competing for anything,
[58:27.120 -> 58:28.040] and he was competing at golf,
[58:28.040 -> 58:29.480] and he was competing at this, at cars, and it's like,
[58:29.480 -> 58:32.000] and for me, I see that from the outside,
[58:32.000 -> 58:34.160] and I was like, I don't know if I would like
[58:34.160 -> 58:35.640] to have the head that he had,
[58:35.640 -> 58:37.400] or go through what he was going, you know?
[58:37.400 -> 58:39.960] Because he was someone that constantly had to be,
[58:39.960 -> 58:42.920] you know, competing and betting, and da, da, da, da, da.
[58:42.920 -> 58:45.400] He had no, you know, it had no ceiling.
[58:45.400 -> 58:46.600] It just had to keep going.
[58:46.600 -> 58:51.000] So for me, the questions that I ask myself today
[58:51.000 -> 58:55.120] is like, first of all, I don't ask any questions
[58:55.120 -> 58:56.680] or I don't ask myself any questions.
[58:56.680 -> 58:59.880] I just let myself enjoy or let myself grieve
[58:59.880 -> 59:02.160] when I have a bad game or when we lose.
[59:02.160 -> 59:03.600] And it happens in every single dressing room.
[59:03.600 -> 59:04.440] You must have seen it.
[59:04.440 -> 59:05.320] Now it's like you're getting the dressing room when everyone's on their. You must have seen it. Now it's like, you're getting the dressing room
[59:05.320 -> 59:07.120] when everyone's on their phones, right?
[59:07.120 -> 59:08.680] To me now, it's like, just put it away.
[59:08.680 -> 59:10.560] And like, whatever feeling comes to me, it's like,
[59:10.560 -> 59:11.760] you know, we lost to Villarreal.
[59:11.760 -> 59:13.320] And I was like really, really angry.
[59:13.320 -> 59:15.840] And I was really sad and I was really upset.
[59:15.840 -> 59:20.080] And I was like, I don't wanna not respect this feeling.
[59:20.080 -> 59:20.920] I wanna feel it.
[59:20.920 -> 59:21.760] I wanna feel sad.
[59:21.760 -> 59:22.600] And I wanna feel angry.
[59:22.600 -> 59:23.480] And I wanna feel upset.
[59:23.480 -> 59:25.400] And I wanna get home and still feel this.
[59:25.400 -> 59:27.160] I don't wanna, because if you go on your phone
[59:27.160 -> 59:29.520] and you speak to your people, that's just distractions.
[59:29.520 -> 59:31.760] You're not really feeling the feelings that you need to feel.
[59:31.760 -> 59:33.200] And when I win, it's the same.
[59:33.200 -> 59:35.640] Like I wanna, you know, talk to my teammate,
[59:35.640 -> 59:37.440] yo, that thing you did, that was so good,
[59:37.440 -> 59:38.680] or like, this was really nice,
[59:38.680 -> 59:41.720] or like, just get the whole energy of the dressing room.
[59:41.720 -> 59:44.320] And then the day after, I'll ask the questions.
[59:44.320 -> 59:47.000] For me, my questions usually are performance based
[59:47.000 -> 59:48.720] in terms of like how I did on the pitch
[59:48.720 -> 59:49.760] and I know what I should be doing
[59:49.760 -> 59:50.580] or what I shouldn't be doing.
[59:50.580 -> 59:53.880] So I watch my game back, I watch the whole game back,
[59:53.880 -> 59:55.040] then I watch just my clips,
[59:55.040 -> 59:57.280] then I talk to coaches about like,
[59:57.280 -> 59:58.440] what should I have done here?
[59:58.440 -> 59:59.280] Did I do this well?
[59:59.280 -> 01:00:00.560] Did I do this right?
[01:00:00.560 -> 01:00:02.800] And then it's like analyzing the game and stuff.
[01:00:02.800 -> 01:00:06.320] But I think I care less and less
[01:00:06.320 -> 01:00:09.480] and I let myself be less affected by what other people say.
[01:00:09.480 -> 01:00:11.280] Whereas before after the game,
[01:00:11.280 -> 01:00:12.720] I used to go on social media,
[01:00:12.720 -> 01:00:13.560] Hector did this, Hector did that.
[01:00:13.560 -> 01:00:15.800] I was like, I can't do this anymore.
[01:00:15.800 -> 01:00:17.000] I don't care about this.
[01:00:17.000 -> 01:00:20.360] So now it's about just trying to live my life
[01:00:20.360 -> 01:00:23.080] in the same way regardless of that performance.
[01:00:23.080 -> 01:00:24.480] And of course, like people say like,
[01:00:24.480 -> 01:00:26.800] oh, they're not angry enough or they're not upset enough after the game way regardless of that performance. And of course, people say, oh, they're not angry enough
[01:00:26.800 -> 01:00:28.640] or they're not upset enough after the game and stuff like that.
[01:00:28.640 -> 01:00:32.360] And I feel like I am upset when that has happened.
[01:00:32.360 -> 01:00:33.760] And for 10 minutes or for 15 minutes,
[01:00:33.760 -> 01:00:35.920] but I don't want to go home and be sad for two days.
[01:00:35.920 -> 01:00:37.240] What kind of life is that?
[01:00:37.240 -> 01:00:39.160] I want to be able to process those feelings properly.
[01:00:39.160 -> 01:00:41.680] People feel they need to either need to say it
[01:00:41.680 -> 01:00:42.680] even if it's not true,
[01:00:42.680 -> 01:00:44.520] or they need to make themselves feel it
[01:00:44.520 -> 01:00:45.480] because I think they think that's
[01:00:45.720 -> 01:00:47.160] making them better, do you know what I mean?
[01:00:47.160 -> 01:00:52.480] Yeah, and I also feel like it's more for the outside, it's making feel like showing the fans that they care
[01:00:52.480 -> 01:00:56.080] So do you do anything to make it look like you care more?
[01:00:56.080 -> 01:01:02.240] No, because I feel like I've been 10 years at the club and every single choice that I've made throughout this year
[01:01:02.240 -> 01:01:07.400] I think people should know how much love and how much I care about this club and obviously there's so many
[01:01:07.400 -> 01:01:10.960] things behind the scenes and things that happen but people will never know this
[01:01:10.960 -> 01:01:15.760] and people will never get the full story but people around me that know what I've
[01:01:15.760 -> 01:01:21.160] been through and that know my attachment to the club they could never say
[01:01:21.160 -> 01:01:26.000] anything like not even like one little bit that I don't care about the club or that,
[01:01:26.000 -> 01:01:29.000] you know, anytime I wasn't sad about a win or like whatever.
[01:01:29.000 -> 01:01:32.000] But to me, you know, I don't need to show this for anyone.
[01:01:32.000 -> 01:01:34.000] And I don't really care how if people think,
[01:01:34.000 -> 01:01:36.000] because this is all perception, people will never know.
[01:01:36.000 -> 01:01:38.000] So to me, it's just about, you know,
[01:01:38.000 -> 01:01:41.000] I'm going to feel sad for the amount of time I feel I need to,
[01:01:41.000 -> 01:01:43.000] I'm going to let this feeling go through.
[01:01:43.000 -> 01:02:09.760] And then after I'm going to go into the next task. And then after I'm going to be with my family, I'm going to be with my friends and I'm going to have fun and even if it was, I don't know, three hours ago that I lost the they're not gonna have any sort of advantage towards the next game it's
[01:02:09.760 -> 01:02:14.480] only being in a good mindset and in like a learning mindset I almost like I try
[01:02:14.480 -> 01:02:19.720] to see my games like a third person you know I try to not judge myself so when
[01:02:19.720 -> 01:02:25.920] I'm watching Hector Bellerin play his last game I'm not not judging me, I'm judging Hector Bellerin.
[01:02:25.920 -> 01:02:27.680] How did he do that? You know, so then it's like...
[01:02:27.680 -> 01:02:28.680] Why is that useful?
[01:02:28.680 -> 01:02:33.520] Because then I'm, it's not personal to me anymore and I can, if that guy has done something
[01:02:33.520 -> 01:02:38.000] wrong, I can say that to him, you know. Whereas if I say that to myself, maybe, you know,
[01:02:38.000 -> 01:02:41.960] there's a bit of a barrier. So me, it's like watching Alexander-Arnold play and I can say
[01:02:41.960 -> 01:02:45.680] what he's done right and what he's done wrong. So it's kind of like this third person gives me the...
[01:02:45.680 -> 01:02:47.680] You judge yourself on the same level as you would judge opposition.
[01:02:47.680 -> 01:02:48.640] On the same level as anyone else.
[01:02:48.640 -> 01:02:52.640] There's no nothing personal about it and there's no like hiding behind anything or
[01:02:52.640 -> 01:02:56.520] I didn't do this because this player should have done that. No. Okay, he did something wrong.
[01:02:56.520 -> 01:02:58.520] He did something wrong and then I can learn from that.
[01:02:58.520 -> 01:03:01.720] And how did you learn that? That's a fascinating approach.
[01:03:01.720 -> 01:03:06.040] I think, I don't know. I like to listen to your guys' podcast, for example,
[01:03:06.040 -> 01:03:08.380] and I like to see ways I can improve.
[01:03:08.380 -> 01:03:11.440] I think that seeing yourself as a third person,
[01:03:11.440 -> 01:03:13.120] that's something even like Marcus Aurelius
[01:03:13.120 -> 01:03:15.880] used to speak about, and it's like ways of like,
[01:03:15.880 -> 01:03:20.040] you know, becoming happier or having a better life.
[01:03:20.040 -> 01:03:21.560] And there's things that they've been around
[01:03:21.560 -> 01:03:22.680] for many, many years.
[01:03:22.680 -> 01:03:25.040] And it's not that until you hear it from someone else
[01:03:25.040 -> 01:03:28.080] or you hear someone putting it into the context of sport,
[01:03:28.080 -> 01:03:30.840] you start realizing that you can really do these things.
[01:03:30.840 -> 01:03:32.440] But these things are not, as you say,
[01:03:32.440 -> 01:03:34.440] it would be so easy to teach many players
[01:03:34.440 -> 01:03:37.320] to learn this trick or this,
[01:03:37.320 -> 01:03:38.480] seeing this something in a third person
[01:03:38.480 -> 01:03:40.720] so they can really truly learn, for example.
[01:03:40.720 -> 01:03:43.000] But it's something that I've just kind of found
[01:03:43.000 -> 01:03:44.360] that in my own way and it's worked for me.
[01:03:44.360 -> 01:03:46.320] And maybe for any other player, maybe it wouldn't work.
[01:03:46.320 -> 01:03:50.040] But, but the reason I love that is because we were speaking about your curiosity
[01:03:50.040 -> 01:03:52.240] and to look at the world around you.
[01:03:52.240 -> 01:03:55.720] And then you've taken something from by your curiosity,
[01:03:55.720 -> 01:04:01.080] a technique that is directly applicable to those that just want to view you as a footballer.
[01:04:01.080 -> 01:04:03.320] It aids you, it makes you better.
[01:04:03.560 -> 01:04:04.320] Yeah, and I think so.
[01:04:04.320 -> 01:04:08.360] And that is part of like me wanting to have an interest
[01:04:08.360 -> 01:04:11.320] into like, I don't know, all the philosophy, for example,
[01:04:11.320 -> 01:04:13.280] and that I can put that into the perspective
[01:04:13.280 -> 01:04:15.480] and into the football realm.
[01:04:15.480 -> 01:04:17.240] It's something that is truly helped me
[01:04:17.240 -> 01:04:19.800] into not taking things so personal.
[01:04:19.800 -> 01:04:22.760] And like, you know, not only with the way I analyse things,
[01:04:22.760 -> 01:04:29.360] but when I feel like people giving me criticism, you know, taking this criticism as if it wasn't for me, it was for someone else, like,
[01:04:29.360 -> 01:04:35.280] is that, are they criticising that person in the right way? Like, is it truly criticism or I,
[01:04:35.280 -> 01:04:39.760] like, they, you know, it comes from like, no reason, like, they just trying to speak bad about it.
[01:04:39.760 -> 01:04:43.920] Can we talk about criticism for a minute then? Because obviously in the job that I do, I spend my
[01:04:43.920 -> 01:04:48.400] life standing externally, watching someone like you play a game of football and then
[01:04:48.400 -> 01:04:52.800] having an opinion. And the pundits that I work with are paid literally to have that
[01:04:52.800 -> 01:04:57.040] opinion. And like you've already said, you don't know what goes on because we just see
[01:04:57.040 -> 01:05:00.520] the game of football. And that is the, I'd love some advice from you on how we do our
[01:05:00.520 -> 01:05:06.120] job better because football clubs and footballers let us see five or 10%
[01:05:06.120 -> 01:05:10.840] of what's truly gone on. The other 90% we have to make up if someone's having a bad
[01:05:10.840 -> 01:05:15.080] game we might say well maybe there's issues at home we don't know but we're trying to
[01:05:15.080 -> 01:05:20.560] kind of paint the picture. So what can we do better in football media to represent footballers
[01:05:20.560 -> 01:05:21.560] better?
[01:05:21.560 -> 01:05:25.160] I have to say I've been a pundit, I did the punditry in one game when I was like,
[01:05:25.160 -> 01:05:26.360] it was good, it was good.
[01:05:26.360 -> 01:05:28.040] But I also gave me a glance of like,
[01:05:28.040 -> 01:05:30.520] what also goes behind the scenes, you know?
[01:05:30.520 -> 01:05:31.800] And I was with Guillem Balaguer,
[01:05:31.800 -> 01:05:33.680] and you know, we were judging certain situations
[01:05:33.680 -> 01:05:34.520] in the game and I was like,
[01:05:34.520 -> 01:05:35.920] oh, is this really how they do it in here?
[01:05:35.920 -> 01:05:38.120] You know, so it was like really interesting for me to see,
[01:05:38.120 -> 01:05:42.800] but I think I know why so many pundits
[01:05:42.800 -> 01:05:44.320] say the things that they say.
[01:05:44.320 -> 01:05:45.960] I know sometimes they mean them,
[01:05:45.960 -> 01:05:47.760] I know sometimes they don't.
[01:05:47.760 -> 01:05:49.720] Maybe, you know, a lot of them,
[01:05:49.720 -> 01:05:51.860] they've played football in a different era.
[01:05:51.860 -> 01:05:53.120] You know, there's different times now,
[01:05:53.120 -> 01:05:54.620] things go in a different way.
[01:05:54.620 -> 01:05:59.080] But I also know that also people need to watch those games.
[01:05:59.080 -> 01:06:01.040] So sometimes you say, you need to say certain things,
[01:06:01.040 -> 01:06:01.880] so people go and watch those games.
[01:06:01.880 -> 01:06:03.240] But when does a pundit say something they don't mean?
[01:06:03.240 -> 01:06:04.080] What do you mean by that?
[01:06:04.080 -> 01:06:10.240] Because sometimes there's things that they say and I don't want to like disrespect their job or like
[01:06:10.240 -> 01:06:14.080] anything like that but sometimes they say things that don't make sense and I think you probably
[01:06:14.080 -> 01:06:17.280] sometimes sitting there you're like what are you talking about but also this person is getting paid
[01:06:17.280 -> 01:06:21.280] to say those things so the more outrageous you are the more people are going to watch you the day
[01:06:21.280 -> 01:06:26.180] after. Now that is true. Which is true. Because the world we live in now, I see it all the time.
[01:06:26.180 -> 01:06:27.820] People say outrageous stuff.
[01:06:27.820 -> 01:06:30.100] Because it's outrageous, they get hundreds of thousands
[01:06:30.100 -> 01:06:31.260] of social media views.
[01:06:31.260 -> 01:06:33.220] Then that's considered successful.
[01:06:33.220 -> 01:06:35.420] But I'm not sure it is successful.
[01:06:35.420 -> 01:06:37.980] Because the people that are watching it are thinking,
[01:06:37.980 -> 01:06:39.300] what's they talking about?
[01:06:39.300 -> 01:06:39.940] Let's share it.
[01:06:39.940 -> 01:06:42.400] Yeah, but it's very similar to the performance value thing.
[01:06:42.400 -> 01:06:47.120] It's like, you're either up here or you're here. Like you're either the best player in the world
[01:06:47.120 -> 01:06:48.880] or you're the worst player in the world, you know?
[01:06:48.880 -> 01:06:50.840] And it's like, you either say the worst thing
[01:06:50.840 -> 01:06:51.800] or the best thing ever,
[01:06:51.800 -> 01:06:53.400] but there's nothing about consistency.
[01:06:53.400 -> 01:06:56.360] No one is like giving an award for consistency, you know?
[01:06:56.360 -> 01:06:58.680] And I always think about when people ask me like,
[01:06:58.680 -> 01:07:01.040] who's the best player you played with and stuff like that.
[01:07:01.040 -> 01:07:03.400] And for me, someone like Nacho Monreal
[01:07:03.400 -> 01:07:05.160] is someone that I appreciate so much
[01:07:05.160 -> 01:07:08.640] because every single game, this guy was a seven or an eight.
[01:07:08.640 -> 01:07:10.800] He was never a 10, he was never a five, seven or eight.
[01:07:10.800 -> 01:07:12.440] And who's getting an award for that?
[01:07:12.440 -> 01:07:15.080] That's like probably the hardest job ever.
[01:07:15.080 -> 01:07:17.560] Someone that is able to get out every single game,
[01:07:17.560 -> 01:07:19.000] playing two, three times a week
[01:07:19.000 -> 01:07:21.200] and he's always at the same level.
[01:07:21.200 -> 01:07:22.840] And that's what the coach expects.
[01:07:22.840 -> 01:07:24.840] A coach knows what to expect from him,
[01:07:24.840 -> 01:07:26.240] fans know what to expect from him
[01:07:26.240 -> 01:07:28.200] and that is the best thing you can do.
[01:07:28.200 -> 01:07:29.640] Seven rights don't get views,
[01:07:29.640 -> 01:07:32.240] don't sell newspapers, don't drive subscriptions.
[01:07:32.240 -> 01:07:33.400] But truly it's-
[01:07:33.400 -> 01:07:34.240] That's the world we live in, isn't it?
[01:07:34.240 -> 01:07:36.080] Yeah, but it's truly someone in the industry
[01:07:36.080 -> 01:07:37.520] is like, I wish I could do that, you know?
[01:07:37.520 -> 01:07:39.360] Because you can have games that you're at eight or nine
[01:07:39.360 -> 01:07:41.120] and it's great, but then you're also gonna have games
[01:07:41.120 -> 01:07:42.480] that you're at four or five.
[01:07:42.480 -> 01:07:47.400] And if you're someone that can be constantly there and he knows what he can he knows his limits
[01:07:47.400 -> 01:07:51.440] He knows what he's good at and he does that every single game, you know, but there's no price for that
[01:07:51.440 -> 01:07:55.720] no one really cares and it's true that not just someone that you know people love and
[01:07:57.240 -> 01:08:02.640] Also, he's some some sort of like car hero as well, you know, which I think like but I think he deserves way more than that
[01:08:02.640 -> 01:08:07.440] Yeah, you know for how many years he played and at the level that he played in, but there is no prize for that.
[01:08:07.440 -> 01:08:12.360] There's a prize for like scoring like the best goal and like, you know, so many goals a season and like,
[01:08:12.440 -> 01:08:15.540] which is cool and at the same time it's like what sells, you know?
[01:08:15.540 -> 01:08:16.920] So the values are wrong maybe.
[01:08:16.920 -> 01:08:20.440] But the values are wrong in that sense and I think people that are really in the industry
[01:08:20.720 -> 01:08:24.920] really value how hard it is to be that kind of player and how
[01:08:27.760 -> 01:08:31.440] much that gives a team. y byddai'r cymdeithasau a'r diwydiant yn gwerthu'r anodd o fod yn y math o chwaraewr a'r aml y mae'r tîm yn rhoi. Felly mae'n golygu i mi, mae'n cwestiwn ddiddorol oherwydd mae'n golygu i mi
[01:08:31.440 -> 01:08:34.880] y bydd Sarrison, y club rugby, mae ganddyn nhw ddweud yno
[01:08:34.880 -> 01:08:38.960] pan fyddent yn gwneud eu rhaglenni gêm, mae'n rhaglenni'r pwysau nad yw unrhyw un arall
[01:08:38.960 -> 01:08:42.320] yn ei weld, ac mae'r peth y bydd faniaethau ddim yn ei weld ond mae'r
[01:08:42.320 -> 01:08:48.320] fynydd sy'n rhaglenni'r rhugbyn ar ôl i'w gwrthod ac nid yw'r bêl yn dod iddo i'w gilydd neu'r fynydd sy'n ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydig yn ychydigdd y faniaid yn eu gweld nhw, ond mae'r fynydd sy'n trafod y rhen i'r ffwrdd ac nid yw'r bal yn dod iddo i'w gilydd, neu'r fynydd sy'n ymgyrchu rhywun,
[01:08:48.320 -> 01:08:52.320] er mwyn eu gwneud ymdrech i'w chwarae, ond mae'n gwneud iddyn nhw weithio'n anodd amdano.
[01:08:52.320 -> 01:08:54.720] Ac maen nhw'n cefnogu'r gwerthfawr hynny.
[01:08:54.720 -> 01:08:58.480] Pa mor oeddwch chi'n ei weld yn cael eu cefnogu'n ystod y ffwrdd o fewn y ffwrdd o ffutbol?
[01:08:58.480 -> 01:09:02.320] Yn fy mhobol, mae Arsenal yn rhywbeth sydd wedi newid llawer.
[01:09:02.320 -> 01:09:06.600] Ac rwy'n credu bod yr ethigau a'r ffordd y maen nhw'n gweithio, Arsenal is something that has changed a lot and I think the ethics and the way they work since Mikel
[01:09:07.000 -> 01:09:12.800] has been the manager of the club has has completely changed and these behaviors
[01:09:13.440 -> 01:09:17.000] Our behaviors have been awarded by them, you know
[01:09:17.000 -> 01:09:19.040] And there's more emphasis on like their behavior
[01:09:19.040 -> 01:09:23.480] So the way we run back or the way that we create space for a player because you know
[01:09:23.800 -> 01:09:25.080] You you can move to receive the ball you can move to for a player because you know you can move
[01:09:25.080 -> 01:09:29.240] to receive the ball, you can move to get a player away or you can move into space
[01:09:29.240 -> 01:09:32.960] you know there's so many ways that you can move for and sometimes a goal is
[01:09:32.960 -> 01:09:35.920] created not by the player that passes the ball by the player that scores but
[01:09:35.920 -> 01:09:39.200] by the player that actually created that space and did what he had to do at that
[01:09:39.200 -> 01:09:42.600] time and many people and the fans in the stands or even pundits sometimes they
[01:09:42.600 -> 01:09:47.720] won't see that but truly that's what we've practiced, that's what the coach has asked and by the player
[01:09:47.720 -> 01:09:51.600] doing that we were able to score that goal. And I think even sometimes for the players
[01:09:51.600 -> 01:09:55.480] it's hard to see when other teams doing stuff but we know in our dressing room and in the
[01:09:55.480 -> 01:09:59.000] way we play that we scored that goal thanks to that player. And then when we analyse the
[01:09:59.000 -> 01:10:02.680] game the coach will say like, guys thanks to this player, this, this, this, this and
[01:10:02.680 -> 01:10:05.600] this and then we score the goal. So I think that is something that
[01:10:05.600 -> 01:10:06.960] internally is being awarded
[01:10:06.960 -> 01:10:08.240] and I think it's really important.
[01:10:08.240 -> 01:10:09.640] As we sit here now
[01:10:09.640 -> 01:10:11.520] and we look at this Arsenal season,
[01:10:11.520 -> 01:10:12.480] it's a kind of a scrap
[01:10:12.480 -> 01:10:14.800] just to finish in the top half of the table.
[01:10:14.800 -> 01:10:16.280] I think I might've said on air already
[01:10:16.280 -> 01:10:17.960] the first time in 25 years,
[01:10:17.960 -> 01:10:20.000] possibly with no European football,
[01:10:20.000 -> 01:10:22.800] are we not seeing some of the great things
[01:10:22.800 -> 01:10:23.840] that have happened this season
[01:10:23.840 -> 01:10:29.800] because our thoughts and our views are dominated by league positions and European football and things?
[01:10:29.800 -> 01:10:33.360] And if there are great things that have happened, could you tell us what they are?
[01:10:33.680 -> 01:10:41.880] Well, it's obviously hard to say that we've had a great season because of our position and now even being able to be in the Europa League final.
[01:10:41.880 -> 01:10:45.760] But what I see, I've seen this club from 10 years ago,
[01:10:45.760 -> 01:10:47.960] and I've seen what this club has gone through.
[01:10:47.960 -> 01:10:50.760] And Arsene Wenger was there for 22 years,
[01:10:50.760 -> 01:10:53.080] and then Unai came, and then Freddy was there.
[01:10:53.080 -> 01:10:55.160] And then when Mikel came, it's like,
[01:10:55.160 -> 01:10:57.680] there was a very difficult atmosphere at the club.
[01:10:57.680 -> 01:10:59.120] You know, there was a lot of uncertainty.
[01:10:59.120 -> 01:11:02.480] We didn't know in which way to drive, you know,
[01:11:02.480 -> 01:11:03.800] to take the boat.
[01:11:03.800 -> 01:11:05.000] And something that he did really well is put in the pillars to drive, you know, to take the boat and something that he did
[01:11:05.000 -> 01:11:11.400] really well is put in the pillars to build a house and this is something that
[01:11:11.400 -> 01:11:15.400] it's not easy to do and this is something that it's not something that
[01:11:15.400 -> 01:11:18.600] you're gonna do in a season or season and a half and I think the way that we
[01:11:18.600 -> 01:11:23.880] finished last season winning the FA Cup in the Community Shield and being Man City
[01:11:23.880 -> 01:11:26.920] in the semi-final and being Liverpool in the league at the same time
[01:11:27.080 -> 01:11:29.620] That's something that the Arsenal from three four years ago
[01:11:29.620 -> 01:11:35.520] Probably wouldn't see them doing and when I see ourselves for example this year against the top six, you know
[01:11:35.520 -> 01:11:39.920] Be in Chelsea twice we beat Man United we drew against them. We beat Tottenham at home
[01:11:40.040 -> 01:11:45.720] It's only see in Liverpool that I feel like they're that level ahead of us But if we are able to be those teams
[01:11:46.320 -> 01:11:48.320] Then why are we not there at the top?
[01:11:48.360 -> 01:11:53.120] It's not because of the ability of the players or it's not because of the ability of the coach or whatever is
[01:11:53.120 -> 01:11:56.800] What are we doing with the rest of the games and these are different values?
[01:11:56.800 -> 01:12:01.660] Oh, there's a different things that we need to work on and it's not are we good enough? Are we good enough?
[01:12:01.660 -> 01:12:05.160] I'll tell you yes, we're good enough because we should have been in the Europa League final.
[01:12:05.160 -> 01:12:06.720] We weren't, but we should have been personally.
[01:12:06.720 -> 01:12:07.640] That's how I feel.
[01:12:07.640 -> 01:12:10.840] And we should be higher in that table
[01:12:10.840 -> 01:12:12.400] because we are able to beat those teams.
[01:12:12.400 -> 01:12:14.160] Why can't we not be higher than Chelsea
[01:12:14.160 -> 01:12:15.940] or than Leicester when we've beat them in the league?
[01:12:15.940 -> 01:12:17.440] You know, so there's so many other things.
[01:12:17.440 -> 01:12:18.320] And what's the answer to that?
[01:12:18.320 -> 01:12:20.360] The answer to that is in football,
[01:12:20.360 -> 01:12:22.240] there's many great areas, you know,
[01:12:22.240 -> 01:12:24.040] and as pundits, you guys, as you say,
[01:12:24.040 -> 01:12:28.120] you wanna, you're trying to give the answers to the public that are watching
[01:12:28.120 -> 01:12:33.440] and try to give a like a reasoning in which it could be but the truth is the
[01:12:33.440 -> 01:12:39.780] answers could be a hundred but the answers are for me is I feel being in
[01:12:39.780 -> 01:12:46.760] there that we're doing the right thing you, that the club is in a difficult situation.
[01:12:46.760 -> 01:12:48.200] We've been in the Europa League for a few years
[01:12:48.200 -> 01:12:49.840] when we should have been in the Champions League.
[01:12:49.840 -> 01:12:51.640] It's a massive club, you know,
[01:12:51.640 -> 01:12:52.760] we need to be in the Champions League
[01:12:52.760 -> 01:12:54.520] in order for that club to be healthy.
[01:12:54.520 -> 01:12:56.720] So as players, we have responsibility,
[01:12:56.720 -> 01:13:01.320] but there's so many things in within that are changing,
[01:13:01.320 -> 01:13:03.400] some that they still need to change,
[01:13:03.400 -> 01:13:10.600] but I feel the mentality right now of the squad and the coaching staff is the right one to be at the top.
[01:13:10.600 -> 01:13:13.000] And I think Mikael is doing things great.
[01:13:13.000 -> 01:13:16.200] And I think everyone in that dressing room is enjoying,
[01:13:16.200 -> 01:13:17.400] which is the most important thing.
[01:13:17.400 -> 01:13:20.400] We're learning a lot because he's a great coach and,
[01:13:20.400 -> 01:13:24.000] you know, we're learning things that we have never even seen in football before.
[01:13:24.000 -> 01:13:28.200] And for us, and for me, I think it's something that
[01:13:28.200 -> 01:13:31.040] is really help us move into the next direction,
[01:13:31.040 -> 01:13:31.960] into the next goal.
[01:13:31.960 -> 01:13:34.520] And hopefully all the other things that need to come
[01:13:34.520 -> 01:13:37.480] into place for us to be up there are gonna happen soon.
[01:13:37.480 -> 01:13:41.200] But, you know, as an Arsenal fan as well,
[01:13:41.200 -> 01:13:43.700] I can say that from the inside that,
[01:13:43.700 -> 01:13:48.200] even though it's been a difficult season, I truly feel that we are a completely different team now where
[01:13:48.200 -> 01:13:53.320] we were two years ago and hopefully we will still progress in the direction
[01:13:53.320 -> 01:13:55.840] that we are and hopefully people in the outside can see that.
[01:13:55.840 -> 01:14:01.480] Love it. Right we've reached the moment for our quickfire round. So first of all
[01:14:01.480 -> 01:14:07.840] three non-negotiable behaviors that you and the people around you must buy into.
[01:14:07.840 -> 01:14:16.320] First one is honesty. I think there is nothing without that and it's something very needed in sports.
[01:14:16.320 -> 01:14:26.080] Second one is the will to learn. For me, it's the most enjoyable thing and I enjoy asking questions and I enjoy when people ask me
[01:14:26.080 -> 01:14:31.040] questions and I enjoy when I see people that really try to get better and I have to say that
[01:14:31.040 -> 01:14:35.360] this year for example in the dressing room we have a few young players that are really exciting and
[01:14:35.360 -> 01:14:39.360] not just for how good they are on that pitch but how much they're willing to learn and to me that
[01:14:39.360 -> 01:14:45.200] is you know beautiful to see and if there's one, a third one, I would say discipline.
[01:14:45.200 -> 01:14:49.200] I think discipline is something that I've always been,
[01:14:49.200 -> 01:14:51.760] or thought I was someone really spontaneous.
[01:14:51.760 -> 01:14:55.560] And it wasn't until I became really disciplined
[01:14:55.560 -> 01:14:59.360] with my routines, which I really enjoyed being spontaneous.
[01:14:59.360 -> 01:15:00.660] I don't know if that makes sense.
[01:15:00.660 -> 01:15:03.080] You know, it's kind of like discipline gave me the freedom,
[01:15:03.080 -> 01:15:05.720] which is a bit of like
[01:15:05.720 -> 01:15:11.460] very different points, but it truly means what it is. And I think being disciplined
[01:15:11.460 -> 01:15:14.720] and having certain rules, especially when it's a team sport, you know, having rules
[01:15:14.720 -> 01:15:19.200] that everyone follows and there's a certain discipline so everyone can row in the same
[01:15:19.200 -> 01:15:22.360] direction, I think, yeah, it's very important.
[01:15:22.360 -> 01:15:25.400] What is your biggest strength and your biggest weakness?
[01:15:25.400 -> 01:15:33.400] I think my biggest weakness first is that I believe in the good of people
[01:15:33.400 -> 01:15:40.000] and sometimes that is not the way people live their lives by, you know,
[01:15:40.000 -> 01:15:45.040] and it's been difficult for me to see that and I had to learn a lot through that.
[01:15:51.720 -> 01:15:54.240] And my biggest strength is, I feel like in the line we were saying, is that I want to learn and I want to understand people
[01:15:54.240 -> 01:15:58.640] and that I want to be in service to those people and trying to help everyone
[01:15:58.840 -> 01:16:02.120] as much as they can, especially like when it comes to the dressing room,
[01:16:02.120 -> 01:16:09.720] you know, those young players coming up and being able to be of service of them, just not by asking and answering questions but also being
[01:16:09.720 -> 01:16:16.760] an example and I feel that could be something that I'm good at.
[01:16:16.760 -> 01:16:20.240] What one book recommendation would you offer for our audience?
[01:16:20.240 -> 01:16:24.120] In the subject that we were talking about, mental health, I read this really good book
[01:16:24.120 -> 01:16:26.920] called I Don't Want To Talk About It by Terence Real,
[01:16:26.920 -> 01:16:30.200] which is about men's mental health.
[01:16:30.200 -> 01:16:33.160] And it was a lot of the things I talked about
[01:16:33.160 -> 01:16:34.440] come from that book.
[01:16:34.440 -> 01:16:37.240] So it would be really interesting for people
[01:16:37.240 -> 01:16:39.240] to read about it.
[01:16:39.240 -> 01:16:41.880] And if they go to my Instagram in the highlights,
[01:16:41.880 -> 01:16:44.320] I have a few books that I keep posting every now and then,
[01:16:44.320 -> 01:16:45.200] because I like reading books.
[01:16:45.200 -> 01:16:46.960] So there's a few that they can check,
[01:16:46.960 -> 01:16:48.600] but on the subject that we spoke today,
[01:16:48.600 -> 01:16:49.760] I think that's a very good one.
[01:16:49.760 -> 01:16:50.600] Good man.
[01:16:50.600 -> 01:16:52.080] And your final message to people really,
[01:16:52.080 -> 01:16:54.280] which is your one golden rule
[01:16:54.280 -> 01:16:56.360] for people to live a high performance life.
[01:16:56.360 -> 01:17:00.680] I would say to be compassionate and to spread love.
[01:17:00.680 -> 01:17:03.200] And that's the best way to live our lives
[01:17:03.200 -> 01:17:04.840] in every single way.
[01:17:04.840 -> 01:17:10.600] Brilliant. What a lovely way to end. Amazing conversation. I think the big
[01:17:10.600 -> 01:17:13.520] thing for me is that you, through all the things that you've done and all the
[01:17:13.520 -> 01:17:17.160] things you've learned along the way, you've basically found freedom and I
[01:17:17.160 -> 01:17:20.320] think that is probably the most important thing that we can all find in
[01:17:20.320 -> 01:17:24.360] this world. Freedom to absolutely be ourselves, say what we truly believe and
[01:17:24.360 -> 01:17:28.360] know that it's the right thing. So thank you for coming on and sharing with us.
[01:17:28.360 -> 01:17:29.640] Thank you for having me.
[01:17:29.640 -> 01:17:30.140] Thank you.
[01:17:30.140 -> 01:17:34.640] Damien.
[01:17:34.640 -> 01:17:35.140] Jake.
[01:17:35.140 -> 01:17:40.640] That was one of the most interesting and brilliant episodes of High Performance I
[01:17:40.640 -> 01:17:44.280] think we've recorded and a bit like when we spoke with Jonny Wilkinson, I just
[01:17:44.280 -> 01:17:47.020] want people to listen to that for what it is. I don't want them
[01:17:47.020 -> 01:17:52.020] to listen to it with preconceived ideas and a desire to find a tiny nuance to be
[01:17:52.020 -> 01:17:57.060] critical of. I want it to be like, accept what he said and understand that that
[01:17:57.060 -> 01:18:00.260] comes from just like he said at the end, just spreading good, spreading positivity.
[01:18:00.260 -> 01:18:04.660] Yeah, if there was one message that I'd encourage any listener to adopt that
[01:18:04.660 -> 01:18:06.000] Hector's just spoke about, it's just be curious. Just listen and explore and be Iawn, os oedd un gwybodaeth a byddwn yn gofio i unrhyw ddysgwyr ddewis fod y hefyd wedi siarad am hyn,
[01:18:06.000 -> 01:18:09.160] dywedwch chi, ddewiswch, ymdrechwch
[01:18:09.160 -> 01:18:12.840] a chyfrifolwch am rhai o'r syniadau hynny a sut y gallant eu cymryd.
[01:18:12.840 -> 01:18:15.240] Rwy'n hoffi'r ffaith bod yn gallu
[01:18:15.240 -> 01:18:19.360] ymdrechu, dweud, i fynd a chyfrifo ffotograffau o leiaf
[01:18:19.360 -> 01:18:22.080] a sut mae hynny wedi'i allu ei wneud i fod yn debyg
[01:18:22.080 -> 01:18:24.040] sy'n gwneud iddo fod yn fwy na chwaraewr.
[01:18:24.040 -> 01:18:28.000] Dydyn ni ddim yn cymryd unrhyw beth o ran cyflogwyr. has allowed him to have a sense of perspective that makes him a better footballer. This doesn't take away anything in relation to high performance.
[01:18:28.000 -> 01:18:30.500] It only adds and enhances.
[01:18:30.500 -> 01:18:36.000] And we struggle to get our heads away from the fact that unless you're totally all about football,
[01:18:36.000 -> 01:18:38.000] you can't possibly care about football.
[01:18:38.000 -> 01:18:43.000] Like when he spoke about kids, you know, not winning or losing, defining you,
[01:18:43.000 -> 01:18:48.480] like he is not being defined by football, doesn't want to be defined by football, but that doesn't mean he's less committed to football.
[01:18:48.480 -> 01:18:52.680] If anything, it's almost like he's understood that it makes him a better footballer.
[01:18:52.680 -> 01:18:57.280] Yeah, absolutely. There's a brilliant charity in the States called the Positive Coaching
[01:18:57.280 -> 01:19:02.560] Alliance that have this aim, they call it double goal coaching, and it's aimed at parents
[01:19:02.560 -> 01:19:09.520] of young sports people, where they say 99.9% o bobl byddai ddim yn chwarae chwaraeon ar lefel proffesiynol,
[01:19:09.520 -> 01:19:15.200] felly mae'r amlwg o chwaraeon i bobl i ddysgu ar waith oedolion fel bod yn cymdeithas dda,
[01:19:15.200 -> 01:19:20.480] dysgu, rhagolu'r awdurdod, ac yna'r ddauddiad yw yna y byddwch chi eisiau gwynebu'r ddauddiad.
[01:19:20.480 -> 01:19:24.640] Felly nid yw'n y byddwn yn fel hyn, nid yw'n, gallaf clywed pobl yn mynd, oh, yw hwn
[01:19:24.640 -> 01:19:29.200] y ffilosofi oedd pawb yn gwyneb? Wel, nid, dyna d hear people going, oh, is this the philosophy where everybody's a winner? Well, no, that's not the point. It's about
[01:19:29.200 -> 01:19:34.440] everyone can learn and then you can still aim to win as a, as a secondary consequence,
[01:19:34.440 -> 01:19:37.400] but it shouldn't be the be all and end all of any sport.
[01:19:37.400 -> 01:19:42.080] And I also think, you know, people have to get their heads away from sitting here going,
[01:19:42.080 -> 01:19:45.000] well, do I agree or do I disagree with what Hector
[01:19:45.000 -> 01:19:49.560] had to say? Right? That's also not the point, is it? You don't need to agree or disagree.
[01:19:49.560 -> 01:19:53.120] You can just listen to it and decide whether it informs you or doesn't inform you.
[01:19:53.120 -> 01:19:55.360] Karl McGill Exactly. And it comes back to curiosity, just
[01:19:55.360 -> 01:20:00.400] be open. You know, we've used this quote a few times on here, Jake, where we say, opinion
[01:20:00.400 -> 01:20:07.080] is the lowest form of knowledge. Empathy is the highest form. Opinion means that you just have to give a binary answer.
[01:20:07.080 -> 01:20:10.160] Empathy says suspend your judgment and just listen,
[01:20:10.160 -> 01:20:11.200] just be open to it.
[01:20:11.200 -> 01:20:14.800] And that's what I help people approach this podcast with
[01:20:14.800 -> 01:20:18.520] and take away from it, just an empathy and a curiosity.
[01:20:18.520 -> 01:20:20.840] Yeah, and I think both of us also,
[01:20:20.840 -> 01:20:23.680] thanks to Hector for coming on and being so honest
[01:20:23.680 -> 01:20:27.560] and really speaking his truth, because he knows as a footballer Felly, diolch i Hector am ddod ymlaen a bod yn ddiogel iawn, a ddweud y gwirionedd ei bod yn gwybod fel chwaraewyr ffytbol
[01:20:27.560 -> 01:20:30.120] y bydd y pethau da sy'n ei rannu gyda ni yma
[01:20:30.120 -> 01:20:31.760] yn cael eu cyfrifol o unrhyw un,
[01:20:31.760 -> 01:20:33.760] efallai y bydd rhai o bobl yn eu cyfrifol o unrhyw un.
[01:20:33.760 -> 01:20:37.760] Ac mae'n mynd i'r brif ymlaen i gael y sgwrs yn y cyfan.
[01:20:37.760 -> 01:20:38.800] Iawn, yn amlwg.
[01:20:38.800 -> 01:20:40.640] Mae'n mynd i'r brif i fod yn gyfrifol,
[01:20:40.640 -> 01:20:41.960] i wneud rhywbeth wahanol,
[01:20:41.960 -> 01:20:44.760] i ddod i'r ffordd a chymeru eich fath eich hun.
[01:20:44.760 -> 01:20:48.560] Ac dyna'r hyn sy'n ei ddangos, innovator to do something different, to dare to step away and walk your own path. And that's exactly what he's just demonstrated and I don't think we should
[01:20:48.560 -> 01:20:52.040] take that courage lightly. It's the only place where development lies, right?
[01:20:52.040 -> 01:20:59.360] Absolutely. I really just want to say thanks a million to Hector and all of
[01:20:59.360 -> 01:21:03.080] the team around him for agreeing to come on this podcast, for speaking in the way
[01:21:03.080 -> 01:21:08.560] that he did and I really hope that it's opened your eyes to what kind of a person he is. And I just want us to change the
[01:21:08.560 -> 01:21:14.080] conversation around not just footballers, but anyone, anyone in society that dares to be just
[01:21:14.080 -> 01:21:20.400] slightly different. We slap them down rather than lift them up. And for the sake of you, for me,
[01:21:20.400 -> 01:21:24.960] for our kids, for the future, I just really want that to change. Anyway, before I say goodbye,
[01:21:24.960 -> 01:21:28.880] let me just remind you, we're bringing out a high performance book. And
[01:21:28.880 -> 01:21:33.760] you know, so many people buy these books, these sort of self-help books, they call them.
[01:21:33.760 -> 01:21:37.440] And Damien and I often refer to them as shelf help books, because you read them and put
[01:21:37.440 -> 01:21:41.000] them on your shelf and never think about them again. This is a book that we're working so
[01:21:41.000 -> 01:21:48.900] hard on to make sure that it has really genuine useful takeaways for everyday life and the book is not out until December but
[01:21:48.900 -> 01:21:54.160] you can actually pre-order it right now all you need to do is click the link in
[01:21:54.160 -> 01:21:58.420] the description for this podcast or go to the highperformancepodcast.com and
[01:21:58.420 -> 01:22:01.100] you can find a link to it right there but the first book from the
[01:22:01.100 -> 01:22:09.040] high-performance podcast is going to be good and you can order it right now. You can also follow us and subscribe to us on YouTube, which would be really cool
[01:22:09.040 -> 01:22:14.880] as well. You can then watch the interviews as well as listen to them. But let me just
[01:22:14.880 -> 01:22:21.260] once more say thank you to Whoop who are sponsoring these Euro 2020 episodes of the High Performance
[01:22:21.260 -> 01:22:25.280] Podcast and Whoop is there to optimize the way that you recover,
[01:22:25.280 -> 01:22:26.780] you train, and you sleep.
[01:22:26.780 -> 01:22:29.240] It has daily reporting straight to your mobile,
[01:22:29.240 -> 01:22:33.340] so you get what's happening with your body in real time.
[01:22:33.340 -> 01:22:35.840] There's the strain coach, so you know how hard you can work.
[01:22:35.840 -> 01:22:38.200] You can discover how much sleep you actually need,
[01:22:38.200 -> 01:22:41.760] and then you can align it to your circadian rhythm
[01:22:41.760 -> 01:22:43.320] using the sleep coach.
[01:22:43.320 -> 01:22:45.200] And it also makes sure that you recover
[01:22:45.200 -> 01:22:49.800] in the right way as well. And if you would like to, you can get an exclusive deal courtesy
[01:22:49.800 -> 01:23:00.000] of the High Performance Podcast. Just go to join.woop.com forward slash HPP. That's join.woop.com
[01:23:00.000 -> 01:23:05.680] forward slash HPP and you can then subscribe to whoop you'll get the first month for free
[01:23:05.680 -> 01:23:10.960] and if you cancel any time in the first 30 days you'll get your money back so um there's no risk
[01:23:10.960 -> 01:23:14.960] either and i wouldn't be sitting here talking about it if i didn't believe in it and i'm wearing
[01:23:14.960 -> 01:23:19.920] it right now and i do believe in it and i think it's great so feel free to get involved so thanks
[01:23:19.920 -> 01:23:28.840] to whoop for being our partners for these euro 2020 specials. Right, that's it. Thanks to Hannah and Will. Thanks to Finn Ryan at Rethink Audio for his
[01:23:28.840 -> 01:23:33.360] hard work on this episode. But as always, thank you most of all to you. Without you
[01:23:33.360 -> 01:23:37.440] enjoying these podcasts, we wouldn't have had the success that we've had and we wouldn't
[01:23:37.440 -> 01:23:42.280] be doing what we're doing now. The best thing you can do for us, please, is just share it.
[01:23:42.280 -> 01:23:49.760] If you've enjoyed what you've heard, ping it to a friend, put it in a whatsapp group, put it on your social media, talk to someone about it, but find
[01:23:49.760 -> 01:23:55.280] some way please of passing on the High Performance Podcast to someone else who just might need it.
[01:23:55.920 -> None] Take care, see you soon. you