Neal Maupay: 'It's a moment to step back and appreciate life more'

Brighton and Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay is using his time away from the demands of Premier League football in a positive way.
Neal MaupayNeal Maupay
Neal Maupay

Similar to the majority of the population, Albion’s French forward is at home due to coronavirus although the squad train on a daily basis by using a video sharing platform which enables them to work with their team-mates and the club’s support staff.

Coping with the physical and mental demands of Premier League football can be intense and the suspension of the League has given Maupay time away from the football bubble. The time off has allowed Albion's leading scorer to reflect but also to indulge more in his two favourite hobbies of reading and gaming.

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He represented Albion in Leyton Orient’s 128-club FIFA tournament but lost 2-0 in the first round to Sparta Rotterdam. It proved a very life-like scenario for Albion, as Maupay dominated much of the play but just couldn't force a breakthrough.

“It was fun for me, but unfortunately I lost to a FIFA professional which was a bit unfair! We had a good time though.

“I dominated the game but he had 11 players around his box so it was difficult to get through. It was good though and a lot of Brighton fans came on my stream to support me, which was fun.

“I am definitely reading more as well at the moment because we’re not allowed to go out and I follow the news more than I used to. We need to make the most of this time. In football we never stop so this is a good moment to take a step back and appreciate life more.”

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Maupay, who has scored eight goals in his first season in the Premier League following his £16m arrival from Brentford, says he looks forward to the squad’s training sessions, even though they are happening remotely.

“We do exercises at home but we can see each other and talk, tell a few jokes and check with the boys," he said. "It’s good to have that chemistry, to check that everyone is okay, especially those who are not close to their families at the moment.”

All of Albion's overseas first team players remain in the UK and Maupay admits it's difficult to be away from family and friends at this time.

“It is not easy to cope with,” he admitted. “All of my family is in France and I can’t get to see them and at times like this you want to be close to your loved ones.

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“I understand that for everyone’s safety you have to avoid social contact but it is not easy. I miss the camaraderie with my team-mates on the training ground and then those moments before we go onto the pitch for matches.

“But I’m not thinking about what is going to happen when the season starts again. Football is secondary to health and making sure everyone stays safe and happy for when we go back to normal. My message would be to think of others and follow the Government’s advice.

"We need to understand that we can pass the virus on so don’t be selfish. Follow the instructions and be patient and calm and do the right things. Hopefully in a few weeks we can get back to normal.”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton: Thank you for reading this story on our website.

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