Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp said that organising the footballers’ fund to benefit the National Health Service’s “heroes” was an “enjoyable” part of football’s shutdown.
Striker Sharp praised Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson for his part in organising the #PlayersTogether initiative, designed to raise millions for charities benefiting the medics who are treating those suffering with coronavirus.
And Sharp, who has captained United in three divisions, said it was easy to persuade his teammates to chip in.
He said: “I've had a few serious video calls about certain situations and issues we all know about but an enjoyable one was about donating to frontline workers in the NHS because they were all happy to do it.
“That was easily sorted. Every group of players was on board and [now] England's women's team have come on board, which is fantastic to see them wanting to donate to such a fantastic cause.”
Footballers' finances became politicised when Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary in Boris Johnson's government, called on them to "take a pay cut and play their part".
Sheffield United’s Enda Stevens said that was “below the belt” and Sharp said players did not need cajoling to contribute, with plans already underway.
He added: “It’s something we’re all proud of and something that was in the pipeline before we got some stick in the press. Jordan Henderson was a big part of it, he put it to all the captains.
“We were more than happy and proud to donate as Premier League footballers to the NHS heroes and frontline workers. They are the heroes at the minute, they are always the heroes, but they just don’t get the plaudits
“They are the people who are fighting for this country at the minute, trying to save lives and do the job they love and are paid to do.
"They don’t get paid enough, they don’t get enough credit, but the NHS is something that we should be proud of, we need the NHS and they are the people who are putting their lives at risk and we need to make sure we support and appreciate them.
"They are doing some amazing work at the minute, which they should all be proud of.”
Sharp is the record scorer in the English league in the 21st century, with 230 goals, and said the absence of football has reminded him how fortunate he is.
“[It has shown me] how lucky I am to be a footballer, even though I have worked hard to get here,” he said. “But, as long as I’ve got my kids, my wife and I know that my family is safe. Your friends and family are the most important people because they are the ones who you care about the most.”
Sharp admitted it will be strange to play without fans, assuming the game returns behind closed doors, but feels he and his fellow footballers have a duty to try and raise morale.
“The players need to give a good account of themselves on the pitch because of a lot of people will be watching behind the TV screens,” he explained. “We still have to set a good example and express ourselves with our talents and put smiles on people’s faces.”
The Sharp family have already offered entertainment with Leo, Billy’s son, showing his finishing skills by recreating goals by Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Gascoigne in their garden.
The United forward has put videos on social media and added: “I can’t do the free-kicks that he’s been doing! He’s curling the ball around mannequins, up and over the wall. To see him progressing is something good that has come out of the lockdown.”
