Five Footballers Who Shared An Intimate Connection With Cricket

Cricket and footballers: Former Everton and Crystal Palace winger, Yannick Bolasie recently grabbed the limelight, commenting on the bromance of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. As Virat’s woeful run continues, there have been support from all across the globe for the former Indian captain, with a rooted belief that Kohli is just one innings away from returning to an intimidating showdown that would take the world by surprise.

In a move of brotherly affection, Babar Azam tweeted in support of Kohli, quoting that this is just a transient phase and it shall pass for the former Indian captain. Bolasie dropped in a heart-warming tweet, quoting that only legends can do this. As the world admires the shared affection and love across two popular sports, let us take a quick look at five renowned footballers, who have a dropped a hint or two about their love for cricket.

#5 Gary Neville

We all know Gary Neville for his commanding stint in the Manchester United colours. However, a lesser-known fact about the English right-back is that he is also a commanding cricketer, despite not pursuing it professionally. However, a lesser-known fact is that he shared a staggering 236-run stand with Matthew Hayden for Greenmount Cricket Club. According to Neville, it was cricket that laid the successful foundation for him in cricket.

#4 David Luiz

The former Chelsea centre-back, a man who led the Brazilian defence against a marauding Spain in the Confederations Cup Final, has been a towering moniker in the sport. His explosive back-tracking laced with a commanding sight in the aerial tussles made him a player of a fine stature in the modern Brazil ranks.

However, it isn’t just football, that Luiz spills his interest in. Before the 2019 World Cup, Luiz expressed his love for Team India and captain Virat Kohli, pouring in his wishes for the Men in Blue. It was a fiery start for Kohli and his wards only to bow down to New Zealand in the semis.

#3 Joe Hart

The former Manchester City goal-keeper may have found his root in football, leading eminent squads to glory, but he was also equally adept at cricket. The athlete that Hart has always been, needs a boatload of fitness to come around.

There have been countless occasions where he has helped his teams to come out on the top. Hart has played cricket for Shrewsbury CC in the Birmingham and District Premier League after nit managing to crack into the World Cup squad for the 2018 FIFA quadrennial extravaganza.

#2 Thomas Muller

It wasn’t just David Luiz who wished Virat Kohli luck for the 2019 World Cup. The star striker for Bayern Munich and Germany stayed witness to Virat Kohli who poured his love for the German football team publicly.

Ahead of the 2019 CWC, Thomas Muller took to Twitter to share his love for Virat Kohli and Team India. He clearly mentioned that it was a favour being returned for Kohli’s admiration of the German football team. Favour or not, it is worth a dig always.

#1 Gary Lineker

One of England’s footballing staple and currently signature sports presenter, Gary Lineker reshaped the English footballing fabric through his magical brand of football over the years. However, if you think that he has been a part of the footballing roster since his childhood, you are in for a surprise.

He was a captain of the Lancashire cricket school for five straight years between the age of 11 to 16. However, his belief of being better at football than cricket, made him opt for the former and the results are evident for the world to see.