Jordan Pickford has opened up on a desire to give motocross a try having been a fan since his youth, but his contracts prevent him from competing on two wheels
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford admits he would love to be competing in motocross but can’t because there are “strict rules in our contracts where we are not allowed to do activities like that”.
The Everton shotstopper has enjoyed an accomplished career, especially with the Three Lions where he’s played in two Euros finals, but wishes he could’ve also raced on the dirt on two wheels.
Pickford was a fan from a young age, often attending events, and has a friend competing at a national level. The 31-year-old is prohibited from turning his hand to the sport alongside his football career due to stipulations in his contract, but would love to have the opportunity.
He told the BBC : “I am not allowed to do it as a footballer but I would love to be able to do motocross. I grew up going to watch it every week with my mates, and my best best mate now rides in the British Championships.
“If I could I would go every week to watch as much as I can. I would do it if I could but there are strict rules in our contracts where we are not allowed to do activities like that. That is probably one thing in my life I would have love to have done.”
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Pickford went on to say: “I went from such a young age and we would stay in motorhomes and caravans at the racetrack as kids and it was mint. The adrenaline I get from watching my mates on the start line and the gate drops, then get to the first corner… the adrenaline I get if they get a good start and I am properly leaning over and cheering them on.”
His profile means he’s often getting spotted at events but claimed “it doesn’t bother me, I am leaning over the fence to push them on to try to do better. It gives me proper adrenaline and it is one of the things I love.”
Pickford ultimately came through the ranks at Sunderland and, even as they were relegated, his quality shone through and once the Black Cats went down he landed himself a move to Merseyside. Everton paid £30m – at the time the most expensive fee for a British keeper in history – but it is the continued progression throughout his career that gives the goalkeeper the greatest sense of pride.
He said: “As a young kid growing up, getting that opportunity to become a footballer, you might make your debut for Sunderland and it might become a dream but it is that sustainability for doing it for so many years and keep progressing and keep getting better that I think I am proud of myself for – and to keep putting the dedication I put in.”
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