Aston Villa striker Watkins: Lack of press hurts my England chances

Football
12 Oct 2023 • 1:02 PM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

Tribal Football covers news from the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A

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Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins fears a lack of celebrity status count against him at international level.

Watkins, who has been in good form this season, does not believe he always gets a fair shake.

He was recently removed from the England squad by Gareth Southgate, but has now been recalled for the October international games.

I go under the radar, I'm not talked about enough profile-wise," he told reporters.

I don't know if it's because of Villa. You get some players who are popular and out there. I'm not too fussed, I just like playing football. People have told me I need to push my profile but I'm just happy with what I am doing on the pitch.

The bigger you are, the more you are in the spotlight. It's not that I don't want that, but if I am playing well it should come naturally.

I don't really push the social media side. A guy in my agency is always saying to post more on Instagram but I wouldn't want to put anything out there that's not authentic.

If I'm scoring 30 goals a year and someone wants to do a sponsorship deal, they will because I'm doing well on the pitch. I've done an M&S campaign and my two-year-old daughter recognised me, but I am content if the fame and followers come, or not."