In our second Getting Know you feature, Sprint MG catch up with Ytterhogdal IK winger Emmanuel Lawal to discuss football, life, aspirations and how he is coping with the 2020 Lockdown.
What is your number one career highlight?
Playing for Shamrock Rovers U17 and winning All Ireland Cup.
What’s been the most challenging moment of your career?
Transition between academy football to men’s football was tough. It was difficult to break into the first team at that time so had to look elsewhere for regular first team football.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in football so far?
Cristiano Ronaldo. His ability to adapt his game as he has got older and his commitment to training is incredible.
Which team mate have you connected with best on the pitch and why?
I connected with Aaron Dobbs at Shamrock Rovers the best, playing as a winger we both knew where each other were on the pitch. This really improved my game.
What advice would give to yourself at 16?
Don’t overlook any opportunity, take it and work hard to succeed.
What are your career aspirations?
The long term goal is to end up playing top flight football in England.
What is the hardest part of being a professional athlete?
The hardest thing is maintaining your standards but once you are on top of things it all falls into place.
How are you dealing with the lockdown and how are you keeping fit?
I live behind a field so I go out everday to the field and practice. I also have a work out schedule which I am sticking to. I am making sure I am maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What advice would give to an upcoming player?
Enjoy the game football but don’t overlook how much you have to work to make it. Remember, you are always in competition with everyone on a football field, even your own team mates to a degree.
How do you prepare yourself for a game? Do you have any superstitions? Is there a particular pre-match meal you like to eat before a big game?
I wake up four hours before a game and will eat pasta thirty minutes after. I will go for a 30 minute nap before I meet up with the squad. I like relaxing before a game.
