Hector Bellerin on how Real Betis are leading the way to a sustainable future and why he fears football is losing its 'essence'.
Hector Bellerin's grandma was as big a 'Betico' as they come. She would hand him green and white gifts every Christmas. Even though he played his football in Barcelona, deep down the youngster's heart always belonged to Real Betis.
He covers the role of masculinity and mental health, suggesting not all footballers want to "drive massive cars and be so strong and so manly", and feels clubs should be obliged to provide psychologists and allow players time to work on their mental health. "It is something I take into account in every single decision in my life and to be part of a football club that is conscious of that, that is trying to put systems in place for fans, for workers, for staff and players too, to make things easier in order to have a greener lifestyle, is important and an inspiration."
He says change needs to be organic, but is also critical of expanding tournaments and hosting World Cups across multiple countries and continents. Not just because of the environmental impact, but also the strain it puts on fans. In that respect, Bellerin reveals he has just finished reading Nick Hornby's 1992 classic Fever Pitch, and says football is "drifting from what it once was".
He would like to see more footballers speaking up but understands why many do not, citing cancel culture, critics and clubs being keen to protect their stars. "People who don't want to change are the ones who point the finger, call you a hypocrite, because they think that because you were one way a couple of years ago, you cannot be a different person today."I have had a lot of that. Me in the past, talking about sustainability, I used to buy lots of clothes - that doesn't mean I want to do that today.