Everyone needs some place where they feel safe and secure. I always try to give people the space to talk about their problems and concerns or to just vent. Whenever they do, I make every effort to reflect on the situation, find solutions or simply offer encouragement and renewed zest for life.

Right at the start of my pro career, I quickly realised that I wanted to stay active and needed an intellectual counterbalance to sport. After completing my B.Sc in biology on campus, I registered for a distance learning program in nutritional science.

Even though my plate is pretty full with football and studying, it’s still incredibly important for me to be there as a sympathetic ear—not just for friends and family but also for other people. A little kindness can bring happiness. I’m not a big talker and rarely go on the offence. But for that very reason, my words often mean a lot to people, helping them to think and feel more positive.