Ryan: Situation provides perspective

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Maty Ryan says that the worldwide football shutdown serves to put the power of sport into perspective.

Alex Stedman

2020-03-18T08:00:00Z

Albion goalkeeper Maty Ryan.

The goalkeeper and his teammates will be out of Premier League action until at least 4th April because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ryan donated £15,000 to the Australian bushfire fund at the start of January - a sum that was matched by the Albion – and he says the latest crisis is a reminder of the value of health and wellbeing.

He said, “It’s obviously been a very eventful few months in the world away from sport, first with the bushfires back in Australia for me on a personal level and now this.

“But it does put things into perspective. I myself have made a lot of sacrifices to move far away from my family to come to England to pursue my dream of playing in the Premier League, and it can be hard.

“But we’re following the advice we’re given and it’s important everyone does that to make sure we come out of this fit and healthy as soon as possible.”

Many other top sporting bodies have also suspended competition over the next few weeks and Ryan says that the absence of sport has reinforced its power and worldwide reach.

“There are more important things in the world than sport, but you’re also seeing the power it has for people now that it’s not going to be around for a while,” he added.

“People close to me and in general are talking about how there’s nothing to watch at the moment without it, and that just reinforces how big a part sport can play in people’s lives.

“It can unite people, especially in difficult times. I think we all hope that everyone near to us stays fit and well and that we will all have sport to play and enjoy in the not too distant future.

“Hopefully we can get back out there when it’s safe as soon as possible.”