England and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has opened up about his surprising love for Motocross, admitting that if it weren’t for the restrictions of his footballing career, he’d be out on the track himself. In an interview with Kelly Somers from the BBC, Pickford shared how deep his passion for the sport runs and how it’s something that has stuck with him since childhood.
Pickford is also close to Carlton Husband who races the British Championship, so you sometimes see him visit the British Championship paddock during a weekend off.
“I am not allowed to do it as a footballer, but I would love to be able to do Motocross,” Pickford revealed. “I grew up going to watch it every week with my mates, and my 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.”
The England number one went on to describe how Motocross has been part of his life from a young age, recalling fond memories of weekends spent at the races.
“I went from such a young age and we would stay in motorhomes and caravans at the racetrack as kids and it was mint,” he said. “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.”
Despite being one of the most recognisable footballers in the country, Pickford says he still enjoys going to the races when he can, even if fans spot him among the crowd.
“I get spotted but it doesn’t bother me,” he admitted. “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.”
While Pickford might not be able to swap his gloves for handlebars any time soon, his comments show the strong connection he still has with the motocross world – a sport that continues to fuel his passion and adrenaline away from the football pitch.
You can read the entire interview, here.
