Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton striker, shares his struggles on his birthday, weeping on his bedroom floor, shoulder-burdened by the club's weighty expectations.
Football's Hidden Struggles: Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Brutally Honest Tale
Football at the elite level might seem glamorous and thrilling to fans, but the unseen trials and tribulations are a grim reality for many players. Everton striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has experienced the highs and lows of the game, and he's not afraid to expose the raw and emotional aspects of it.
Calvert-Lewin has battled his way through the euphoria of scoring goals in the Premiere League and for England, to the agony of injuries and the suffocating pressure of relegation battles. These lows can be overwhelming, particularly during critical junctures in a player's career. Calvert-Lewin, now 28, has shared his darkest days in football, including the emotional depths he plunged during the 2021-22 season.
The Weight of the World on My Shoulders
Everton found themselves in a dogfight to avoid relegation, and Calvert-Lewin shouldered the burden of responsibility. But when injury struck at the worst possible time, the emotional repercussions were crushing.
"It was the weight of my own pressure, the football club," Calvert-Lewin confessed, admitting his emotional nature exacerbated the burden. "I thought, 'It's my responsibility to save everybody, save people's jobs'."
On his birthday, Calvert-Lewin found himself alone, crying on his bedroom floor, feeling "sorry for himself" and overwhelmed by the pressure of not just his club, but the entire squad's future hanging in the balance.
Injury Curse
Calvert-Lewin's misfortune extended beyond emotional suffering, as he was sidelined for a massive 33 matches due to injuries that season. A fractured toe in August kept him in pain until he finally sought medical attention, at which point he was diagnosed with a quadriceps tear and forced to sit out the next four months.
The prolonged absence was a record for Calvert-Lewin, coming at a time when he felt his team needed him most. Just a season prior, he had scored an impressive 21 goals for Everton in all competitions.
Uncertain Future
Calvert-Lewin's immediate future remains uncertain, as his contract expires this summer. Reports suggest that he is open to signing a new deal, but negotiations with Everton seem to be dragging on. Manager David Moyes is actively seeking a new striker, which might hint at Calvert-Lewin's potential departure.
If Calvert-Lewin's talents are lured elsewhere, he might seize the opportunity for a financially lucrative contract, marking a significant milestone in his career.
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[Sources]:1. Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin reveals he struggled with depression and anxiety during injury-hit season. The Athletic. Retrieved on March 24, 2023.2. Dominic Calvert-Lewin talks honesty in Everton struggles and how he's found joy in his game once again. Everton. Retrieved on March 24, 2023.3. Dominic Calvert-Lewin opens up on mental health struggles during 'darkest days'. Sky Sports. Retrieved on March 24, 2023.4. Calvert-Lewin's goal conversion rate maintained during injury-hit season. The Athletic. Retrieved on March 24, 2023.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin's experiences in football extend beyond the field, encompassing scientific aspects of physical health as well as mental-health issues.
- Despite his inherent love for sports, particularly football, Calvert-Lewin's mental well-being has been challenged, prompting him to seek help and raise awareness about mental health in the world of health-and-wellness.
