Everybody has their own phobias or superstitions, but because footballers are always in the limelight, theirs have been publicised. The Fan Park crew has a look at a few footballers with unusual phobias and personal superstitions.
Dennis Bergkamp – Flying
The former Arsenal legend had a very public fear of flying, and it was common for the Dutchman to use an alternative mode of transport for away fixtures – though in the Champions League, he was regularly unavailable for selection. This earned him the nickname of ‘The Non-flying Dutchman’.
Phil Jones – Foreign Elevators
Manchester United’s centre-back is said to be afraid of foreign lifts. Apparently the defender is more than fine with taking an elevator in England, but if it’s in any other country, Jones will choose to take the stairs instead.
David Beckham – Frogs And Untidiness
The retired footballer went on an adventure in Brazil’s amazon last year and this is where he realised his fear of frogs. Becks also has Ataxophobia - which is basically a fear of disorder or untidiness, and claims that he has to have everything in straight lines or pairs.
Peter Crouch – Fear Of His Own Height
Crouch’s former coach at Aston Villa, Graham Taylor, said that the forward has a phobia of his own height and struggled overcoming his large stature. For a big guy, he has sure scored a few acrobatic bombers in his career!
Wayne Rooney – Sleeps With Hairdryer On
Perhaps it’s not a fear, but Manchester United’s striker likes sleeping with the hairdryer on! He spoke about this odd sleeping ritual, saying that he only does this when he’s on his own or when he’s sleeping in a hotel room.
Jesus Navas – Chronic Homesickness
The Manchester City winger had a tough start to his professional career at Sevilla, where he often pulled out of tours when his team were travelling. Once just an hour away in a football camp, Navas had to be collected by his brother and father, because of his fear of being away from home.
Mario Gomez – Doesn’t Sing German National Anthem
As a youngster Gomez forgot to sing along to his country’s national anthem and after scoring in that game, he never did again.
What other funny fears and superstitions of footballers have you heard about?
