From playing Pirlo to psychology: the footballer who put education first

23-Jun-2020 07:00:40 | Guardian

Johnny Gorman made his international debut a 17. A decade on he now hopes to help other young players as a psychologist

By Jonathan Drennan for the Guardian Sport Network

Johnny Gorman was still at school when he won his first Northern Ireland cap against Turkey in May 2010. He made his next appearance for the national team away in Italy in a Euro 2012 qualifier, playing against Andrea Pirlo and Daniele de Rossi in midfield. At the end of the game, De Rossi sought out the teenager to give him his jersey. By the time Pirlo and De Rossi were playing for Italy in the Euro 2012 final the following summer, Gorman’s time at the top was all but over.

Today, at 27, Gorman is in his second year at Bath University studying for a degree in psychology. He plays for the university XI but his days as a professional are long gone. Preparing for Pirlo has been swapped for psychology tutorials and pints in the university bar. “I wasn’t really a typical footballer,” he says. “Although I really liked the game, it was never the be-all and end-all for me. I just had so many other interests growing up.”

NorthernIreland

From playing Pirlo to psychology: the footballer who put education first