Jake Livermore keen to give something back as England turnaround nears
Jake Livermore never thought he’d get back in the England set-up, but as he closes in on an historic cap for Albion, his thoughts turn to others.
It’s been a tough few years for the midfielder, who lost his newborn son in 2014 and tested positive for cocaine a year later.
But if he gets a chance in England’s friendly with Germany tonight he will be the first outfield player from Albion to don the Three Lions since Steve Hunt in 1984.
It will be the culmination of a remarkable turnaround, and Livermore will be trying to repay all the people who stuck by him.
“Having this opportunity to repay them in any way, shape or form is like a dream for me,” he said on the eve of the match.
Grateful for all those who helped him, he’s keen to give something back.
He was, for example, quick to make contact with Bournemouth’s Harry Arter when the Irish midfielder’s daughter was stillborn in December 2015.
“I’m over the moon he’s now out the other side,” said Livermore. “I did reach out to him and say if there was any point he needed me. We became good friends after that.
“Everyone has their own story and everyone will be opened up to different opportunities or temptations.
“It’s nice to be able to help someone and give something back because when I really needed it I was fortunate to have that with the FA and my club.”
The 27-year-old midfielder, who has impressed since his £10million move from Hull City in January, also made a personal visit to his old school, Enfield Grammar in north London, to work with pupils of his former teacher David Alder.
“There were a few children in the excluded unit section, where they are taken away from the other kids,” he explained.
“My teacher asked me if I could sit and talk with a lad who was also very talented at football. I just told him about my experiences and how you have to stay focused. Things can always come full circle and be better.
“It’s not easy, the whole scenario, but it’s for a good cause. When people need you like I needed someone, I want to be a person who can help someone else. Hopefully the young kids – and it’s not just kids, it’s any professional in any walk of life – can take something away from this. The opportunity to play and represent my country will hopefully enhance that.”
