Burnley’s captain on being concussed, his recent injury and why he backs restrictions on children heading the ball
Without my desire to stick my head in places it would rather not be, I would not have a career. I happily throw mine in the way of shots and crosses in the hope of securing an extra Premier League point, but I do wonder at what cost.
I am in my 13th season as a professional footballer, not to mention the years of playing Sunday league and in the Manchester City academy, so I hate to think how many headers I have won or stray arms to the face I have had. The latest was at Selhurst Park a couple of weeks ago when Jordan Ayew caught me in a sweet spot on the jaw, leaving me on the ground unconscious for about two seconds. I came round with medical staff sprinting towards me.
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