Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has shared that becoming a father has given him a fresh perspective on life.
Since welcoming his son, Graysen, in November, he feels that the experience has helped him become more calm and grounded.
“It’s the best feeling in the world. No feeling can describe it. It’s the hardest thing in the world as well,” the 24-year-old said.
“It [life] has changed for the better, it’s calmed me down and chilled me out. It’s another purpose to do well in football and do well in life.
“Ever since he’s been with us, everything I do is for him. Every decision I make now I think twice about. Now he’s getting to the age where he’s got personality and is starting to express himself. He has this belly laugh going, I’m loving it.”
He also revealed playing in India – winning the World Cup with England Under-17s in 2017 – helped him find perspective as a teenager.
“To see the poverty over there, we are so lucky to be in the position we are. To see that at 17, it matures you straight away,” he said.
“We stayed at a lovely hotel but as soon as you step out there are people on the streets naked, washing themselves in the sewers. You value life and appreciate what you have back home.”
Gibbs-White, who joined Forest from Wolves in a deal which could rise to £42.5m in 2022, was speaking to BBC Football Focus last week, shortly after being sent off in the 2-2 draw at Brighton.
Gibbs-White and boss Nuno Espirito Santo have since been charged by the Football Association for acting in an improper manner and allegedly using abusive and insulting language towards match officials.
He conceded he could see why he was sent off but feels he cannot play any other way.
“If I’m at 70% or 60% going into a game, I can’t play like that,” he said.
“I have to be 150% all the time. I always have to be on it and I like the feeling of having control in a game.
“Sometimes when we’re playing City or someone and having none of the ball I get frustrated, but that’s when the control comes in and to understand what the manager wants from this moment.”
Morgan Gibbs-White has been included in the England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Finland this month.
After making his senior debut in a 2-0 victory over Ireland in September, following his triumph at the Under-21 European Championships last summer, he expressed the emotional impact that his selection for the national team has had on him.
He said: “When I received the call I was in bits, I was crying. As a kid you grow up dreaming of this moment, wanting it for so long and when you finally get it you feel like you’ve achieved something in life.
“Seeing the quality and standard was incredible. You can see why these players are at the top level.”