Sam Claflin describes taking part in Soccer Aid at Old Trafford as ‘bucket list’ dream
H
ollywood star Sam Claflin has mentioned taking part in soccer at Manchester United’s “Theatre of Dreams” has at all times been on his bucket listing.
The 36-year-old actor shall be returning to Soccer Aid on June 11 to play for the World XI crew at Old Trafford for the Unicef charity occasion, having made his debut for the England crew in 2019.
Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt has been confirmed as captain of the aspect which incorporates former soccer stars Francesco Totti, Nani and Roberto Carlos, whereas Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino will make his long-awaited return to administration.
Claflin informed the PA news company: “As a football fan growing up, the dream of playing at the Theatre of Dreams is always on my bucket list so to have the opportunity to tread those blades of grass with some Manchester United legends, and legends of the game, it’s going to be momentous.
“I’m excited to be playing with Roberto Carlos, the last time I played he was against me and the same goes for Usain Bolt.
“So having the opportunity to play alongside them this time, the fastest man in the world and the greatest left back ever to walk the earth, will be a joy.”
The British actor mentioned soccer was a “huge part of my childhood” and his “passion” for the sport has been “revitalised” by his seven-year-old son who’s “obsessed with the sport”.
He additionally mentioned each his kids are “obsessed” with singer-songwriter Tom Grennan who’s taking part in for the alternative crew, and joked that he’s “thrilled to have the opportunity to kick him off the pitch”.
Claflin final performed for Soccer Aid in 2019 at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge for the England aspect, saying his efficiency “could have gone a little better”.
“There was there was one key moment that I’ve been playing back in my mind since it happened, where I was lofted the ball in and completely mis-hit it,” he mentioned.
“Very soon after that I was substituted, so I feel like this is my chance to really show people what I can do, what I’m capable of on a football pitch.”
Claflin, who has has starred reverse Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games movie sequence, in addition to with Emilia Clarke in Me Before You and Lily Collins in Love, Rosie, described Soccer Aid as a “dream come true” for him.
“From actors, musicians to pro footballers, it’s really the best of the best from all walks of life,” he mentioned.
“I don’t think anyone takes it too seriously, maybe I’m wrong, but I think it’s an opportunity for us all to have a bit of fun and to kind of celebrate football.”
He mentioned he has been coaching within the again backyard together with his little boy and spending a variety of time within the fitness center attempting to get “as fit as possible” in time for the sport.
The actor additionally described the Unicef occasion as a “wonderful thing” to be supporting as a result of the charity “touches the hearts of children across the world”.
He added: “What I love about Unicef is the way that it uses the power of football to protect the play for every child out there, by taking care of their health, shelter, education, sanitation, and way more.”
Previously introduced names for the World XI crew embrace boxer and Love Island star Tommy Fury, comic Lee Mack, TV presenter Mo Gilligan and actuality TV star Kem Cetinay amongst its line-up.
The squad will face the England crew together with Sir Mo Farah, former England footballer Jill Scott, who will captain the aspect, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, singer Liam Payne and former footballer turned pundit Gary Neville.
Martin Compston and Robbie Keane are each a part of the World XI administration crew, whereas Stormzy, Harry Redknapp and Vicky McClure shall be within the dugout for the England crew.
The line-up of neither crew is full, with extra names anticipated to nonetheless be introduced.
Soccer Aid for Unicef 2023 takes place on Sunday June 11 at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, with tickets obtainable at socceraid.org.uk/tickets.