Gomez: “I would have liked to be a PE teacher”

Joe Gomez has revealed that he once aspired to be a PE teacher, and could have followed that career path if he hadn’t become a professional footballer.

The 22-year-old was speaking at an event rewarding those who won a Premier League Primary Stars competition, in partnership with EA Sports.

And the centre-back, who enjoyed a fine start to last season before picking up a serious injury, says PE was his strong suit in school.

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“PE was my favourite subject in school,” Gomez said. “I wasn’t bad in school, but I wasn’t the smartest, so I think it was the time that I could just enjoy myself and purely have fun.

“I think that fun and enjoyment is the main thing in school. If I wasn’t a footballer I would have liked to be a PE teacher.

“I knew that I couldn’t let my school affect my football by behaving badly and getting detention and all that sort of thing, so I made sure my homework was done.

“Obviously, at that age, your parents emphasise that it’s important that you do well in school, otherwise they might take away your hobby.

“It’s really important, not just for the health benefits but just for having fun. Psychologically it’s important that children get a chance to express themselves and sometimes PE is the best way to do that.

“I found my talents in PE and it gave me a chance to have fun and enjoy time with my friends, so it is definitely important.”

The England international added: “You need to have basic coordination, but having the confidence in yourself from that age – that you can do certain skills – is the main thing that helps you when you get older.

“I loved sports day and all the races, so athletics and running were my other favourite sports.

“But football is not an individual sport, and if there is no chemistry within the team, regardless of what talent you have, then you are not really going to succeed.

“I think that shows within the team. Where you have got a good bond, you will all play for each other, play for the manager and play for the supporters.

“I think it’s important that you are all one – not just within the team, but within the community and the supporters as well.

“It’s important that we live our lives the right way, not only for performance but to be role models.

“I think it’s important that we do our best to lead an example for the younger generation.

“For any kids that want to achieve a dream I think you have just got to ask yourself, is it something you enjoy? That is the fundamental aspect.

“If you don’t enjoy it, then you are not going to put that extra effort in to be the best that you can.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com