Extra Time

IMPORTANT LIFE CHOICES...

Premier League Champions Manchester United's John O’Shea is one of the Premier League's most versatile players. He has practically played in every position for the club. Having come through the youth team ranks at Old Trafford, the Republic of Ireland international has gone on to win many major honours with the club.  

Do you think this was down to luck? Having talent is one thing, putting in the hard work is another, but the sacrifices O'Shea made as a young player played an important part in preparing him for a successful career in the professional game.

A footballer's life is a great one that cannot be denied. But any professional player who has played the game or is playing now has had to work at certain things. Important life choices and decisions had to be made at an early age in order for them to make it in the professional game.

Republic of Ireland international, John O’Shea was brought up in the city of Waterford in Ireland. It was here he played for local teams before being spotted by Sir Alex Ferguson’s scouts and moved to the North West of England in 1998. Things in Manchester where different to what he was used to back home in Ireland where his family and friends were close by. Wanting to be a professional football player means that sometimes you can’t do things that some of your friends might be doing. Going to bed early and not staying out too late will keep you prepared for the professional game.

The Manchester United Star revealed to Football4Football.com “When I moved to Manchester, with the big city lights, you can easily be turned. That’s when you hope the club that you move to, your parents, where you were brought up, all those factors come into consideration and you realise how big a chance you might have to make it.”

O’Shea clearly did make the right choices as a young developing player and has made the most of his opportunity at Old Trafford having made close to 400 appearances for the Red Devils since first playing in 1999. The versatile Irishman went out on loan to Bournemouth and Belgian side, Royal Antwerp before he set about making himself a key player in the Manchester United first team during the 2002/3 season. Since then he has won five Premier League titles, appeared in two Champions League finals and has been capped over 60 times by his country.

What would you sacrifice?