Why does Ben White not watch football? Arsenal star makes honest admission amid absence from England’s Euro 2024 squad
Ben White is a rare example of a footballer who has openly admitted his dislike for watching the game.
The Arsenal star was left out of England's squad for Euro 2024 and likely will have little interest in following their progress this summer.
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White arrived in north London from Brighton in 2021 for a fee of £50million and has since risen to become one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
For a player of his talent and price, you’d expect him to be passionate about the sport.
However, that isn’t the case as the 26-year-old has been honest to the media many times about how he doesn’t care for sitting and watching a match.
Why does Ben White not watch football?
Well, the answer is very simple… he doesn’t like it.
Read more on Euro 2024
Since joining Arsenal, White’s thoughts on football have become pretty famous and he is not afraid to admit that he doesn’t watch any games.
During the 2022/23 season, Manchester City took on Liverpool in a clash that could have played a massive part in the Gunners’ title fight that campaign.
White was asked about the game and he gave a completely honest answer saying: “I don’t watch football so I was just focused on the game today and that was it.”
His unbothered reaction reminded fans of previous moments in the media when the defender voiced his carelessness about the sport.
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In an interview with Stadium Astro, White and teammate Leandro Trossard were asked what their favourite parts of the day at Arsenal were.
As the 26-year-old thought about his answer, Trossard jumped in laughing to say: “I think it’s when he’s back home."
White then replied: “You can’t say that on camera, Leo.”
So even his teammates know of his distaste for football and it seems to be well known inside the Gunners’ dressing room.
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Another example came in 2021 soon after he joined Arsenal, admitting to never watching club legend Patrick Vieira play.
White was given the iconic No.4 that Vieira wore and he was asked if he ever saw the Frenchman play.
He admitted: “No I never watched football when I was younger, I still don't now.
“I just loved the game, I was always playing it, never watching it. So I don't know too much about older generations.
'I know [Vieira] was a very good player. But I wouldn't know the details.
“I'm quite busy, I'm always doing something. I watch myself for analytical reasons. I watch England, maybe. I just wouldn't just sit down and watch a game.”
His strictly professional approach to the game has made him somewhat of a fan favourite at Arsenal, with supporters loving his job-like mentality towards football.
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