‘I’m back this year to right some wrongs!’
Olly Murs talks returning to the Soccer Aid pitch and the shock new skills he picked up in lockdown
No one knew if it was going to be possible for Soccer Aid to take place this year. But luckily the clever bods behind the match have been able to work their magic and create a socially distanced and safe environment for England to once again take on the Rest Of The World in this nail-biting annual game – all in the name of charity. And chomping at the bit to put on his shorts is pop star Olly Murs, especially because a knee injury last year meant he couldn’t play. Olly, 36, tells us he’s been training hard to get match-fit and thinks the rest of the boys and girls will have been doing the same, too. Here, the singing sensation, who’s in a relationship with bodybuilder Amelia Tank, tells us more…
How do you feel about Soccer Aid for Unicef being back?
It feels amazing that it’s back – I was worried it wouldn’t be after it got postponed. I honestly felt it might not happen with everything that’s going on, but everyone’s come together and it’s going to be a fantastic event. The Premier League has proven that you can put football events on in a safe way, so I’m really excited that everyone gets to watch safely from home and hopefully support the event to raise money for Unicef.
What are you most looking forward to about this year?
Playing at Old Trafford, obviously it will be under different circumstances with us playing behind closed doors. I was talking to one of the pros who was saying how weird it will feel for them to play without fans. But for me, I’m used to playing football without a crowd on a regular basis so it will be normal! I’m used to playing in front of big crowds when I’m singing so I know what he means because it would feel weird to go and play a gig in front of no one. But I think playing football in front of no crowds will actually help me as it’s less pressure.
Although, of course, we would love the stadium to be full of people, we all understand the reasons why it can’t be. I’m also looking forward to seeing people – I haven’t seen many people since lockdown, just my girlfriend and members of the family – so it will be really nice to see everyone.
How have you been keeping fit during lockdown?
I’ve tried to stay active throughout – I have to always be doing something, so I have been doing a lot of Lego and out cycling loads. I have been learning to bake and although I’ve never been much of a chef in the kitchen, my best one yet is a baked Alaska. I love cake and ice cream so combining them together was pretty cool. I’ve also been playing the piano loads and learning more about the instrument – enjoying things I don’t usually get the chance to do. I’ve been polishing up on my FIFA skills and loved being part of a Soccer Aid tournament – the online FIFA world is massive – and it’s been great to be part of that.
You didn’t play last year because you had knee surgery. How have you found going through rehab and getting your fitness back?
I just hope my knee is fine. I’m feeling fitter than ever, to be honest, so I hope my level of football is still the level that I’ve maintained. I’ve been playing for Soccer Aid for Unicef since 2010 so this is my sixth Soccer Aid and I have tried to maintain a good level. The pressure is on and the last time I played we won, and last year we lost, so maybe I’m back this year to right some wrongs! I’ve had some real battles and some ups and downs with my knee but walking out on the pitch with the guys this year is going to feel more special than ever for me. I don’t know if this will be my last Soccer Aid, I don’t know how it’s going to be moving forward, but I always look at every Soccer Aid as potentially the last one that I do, so it will be a very special moment and I’m looking forward to it.
‘Walking out with the guys this year is going to feel more special than ever’
What’s your training regime like?
I was going out to the local field with my physio and from a safe distance was able to do some coaching. I have been really pushing it to the limit and I am trying to get faster and stronger. I think this will be the fittest Soccer Aid for Unicef across the board for a lot of the players. A lot of people have been home for months and training is the one thing that a lot of people have made sure they’ve done more of. As anyone who loves sport knows, it’s so great for you mentally. I’ve been speaking to some of the Soccer Aid for Unicef England boys and they’ve been doing quite a lot to get match-fit over the past few weeks.
Why is it more important than ever for people to donate?
There are so many children around the world who need the support and it doesn’t matter how much it is, everything that’s donated is going to make such a difference to children’s lives, limiting the impact of coronavirus. It can help put food on the table or can help build a shelter or a football pitch and get kids off the street and playing.
Soccer Aid for Unicef, Sunday, 6.30pm, ITV