Barcelona right-back Héctor Bellerin has spoken out about the dehumanization and marginalization of footballers in society, expressing disappointment at the fact that footballers continue to be alienated from their fans.
The Spaniard has frequently spoken out on socially important issues such as protecting the environment and reducing plastic use. Therefore, it is not surprising to hear him discuss the life and society of footballers.
Speaking in an interview, the former Arsenal defender revealed (via BarcaUniversal):
“Football players are dehumanized now. We live in a bubble and are completely alienated from society. We are getting further away from our fans every day. I don’t like it .”
Hector Bellerin: “Football players are now dehumanized. We live in bubbles and are completely alienated from society. I do not like.” https://t.co/gIJGTt92rp
The 27-year-old also called on his fellow professional athletes to pay more taxes as people around the world are facing financial hardship due to the “cost of living” crisis.
In an interview with the Catalan-language publication Ara (via Daily Cannon), Bellerin called on footballers to get out of the bubble and pay their taxes.
“We don’t need as many things as we think to live a normal life. We live in a capitalist world. Get one, but that won’t get you anywhere. If you already have a car, why do you need ten?”
Hector Bellerin: “We footballers should pay the most taxes. We should be happy to contribute to social stability.” https://t.co/rBQkcJY5QO
He continued:
“Everyone wants to earn more money to live as comfortably as possible. We footballers are in a very privileged position. We have worked hard and sacrificed a lot. But we must be aware of what we have, where we come from, and what we should do. We want to contribute to social stability.”
The estranged right-back returned to Barcelona in the summer of 2022 but has yet to live up to expectations, having played just five games at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona prepare to replace Hector Bellerin in January
Héctor Bellerin’s Barcelona career so far has been fruitless and it has become clear that the former Arsenal defender does not have a bright future at the Camp Nou. Bellerin returned to Barcelona on a one-year deal last summer after the rest of his contract with Arsenal ended by mutual consent.
However, he has only played five games for the Catalans this season and has failed to impress coach Xavi. It is reported that Bellerin will not be offered a new contract and may even leave the club sooner than expected.
According to CalcioMercatoWeb, Bellerin has been offered to Juventus in exchange for French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, but Juventus are not interested. We are looking to increase our options.
Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard, Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier and Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo are rumored to be in the running.
