Jordan Pickford has been a fan since he was young and has expressed a desire to try motocross, but his contract prevents him from competing on two wheels.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has admitted he would like to compete in motocross but cannot because “there are strict rules in my contract prohibiting such activity”.
The Everton shot-stopper has enjoyed a fulfilling career, particularly appearing in two Euro finals with the Three Lions, but he wishes he could have raced on dirt on two wheels as well.
Pickford has been a fan since childhood, often attending events, and has friends who compete at the national level. The 31-year-old is prohibited from pursuing a sport alongside his football career due to contractual provisions, but he would be happy to have the opportunity.
He told the BBC: “As a footballer I’m not allowed to do motocross, but I’d love to be able to do it. I grew up going to motocross every week with my friends and my best friend now competes in the British Championships.”
“If I could, I’d go see it every week if I could. I would if I could, but there are strict rules in my contract that forbid such activities. It’s probably one of the things I’ve always wanted to do in my life.”
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Pickford continued: “I used to stay in campers and caravans at racetracks from a young age, and it felt great as a kid. You get that adrenaline feeling when you’re on the start line and you’re watching your mates pull down the gate and get to the first corner…the adrenaline you get when they get a good start and I’m leaning right in and cheering them on.”
Looking at his profile, he is frequently spotted at events, but claimed: “It doesn’t bother me. I lean over the fence and push them to do better. It gives me the right amount of adrenaline and that’s one of the things I like to do.”
Pickford eventually progressed through the ranks at Sunderland, and even when they were relegated his quality shone through, and when the Black Cats were eliminated, he decided to move to Merseyside himself. Everton paid him £30 million (at the time the highest fee ever for a British keeper), but his continued progress throughout his career is what gives the goalkeeper his greatest pride.
He said: “As a young kid growing up with the opportunity to be a footballer, you might make your debut for Sunderland, that might be your dream, but I think that persistence to keep doing it over the years and keep progressing and keep getting better is what I’m proud of myself and my dedication.”
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