'I didn't ever watch football , still don't' - White makes weird declaration

The defender might be wearing Patrick Vieira’s No 4 shirt but isn’t exactly well-informed about the Gunners legend.

Ben White doesn’t quite enjoy watching football, admitting that he “didn’t ever watch football when I was younger” and still doesn’t.

White’s statements are not something the Gooners would’ve wanted to hear as the fans often expect the players to share their profound love of the game.

Nevertheless, it ought to be kept in mind that many footballers treat football as a job and that it does not involve the entirety of their private lives.

And one such footballer is White, who joined Arsenal in a £50 million move over the summer. The Englishman tries to separate his professional life from his private one and tries to “not think about” football when he’s away from the pitch.

“Football is so intense. You come in every day giving 100 per cent,” the 24-year-old defender told Sky Sports News.

“All I want to do is go home and not think about it, then come in in the morning fresh and ready to give 100% again.

“I watch myself for analytical reasons. I watch England, maybe, but I’m always busy doing something.

“I wouldn’t just sit down and watch a game. I didn’t ever watch football when I was younger. I still don’t now. I just loved the game, I was always playing it, never watching.

“So I don’t know too much about the older generations, but I know [Patrick] Vieira was a very good player. But I don’t know the details.”