SAMI MOKBEL uncovers the REAL Ben White and the truth behind why he left England
Tattoos? Check. Earrings? Check. Designer clothes? Check. Trendy haircut? Check. Tan? Check.
If you’re into judging books by their cover then you’ve probably assumed the worst of Ben White.
On face value, he fits the stereotype of a modern footballer. Image first, football second - a player that appears to have little affinity for a sport that coughs up lucratively for his enviable lifestyle.
But White’s not one who pays much attention to conformity, perhaps that’s why he polarises opinion.
Family, wife and his beloved dogs - those are White’s priorities. But what’s wrong with that?
Yet, with all that said and to dispel one of the most prevalent myths about White’s persona, football is fundamental to the Arsenal defender’s being.
Of course it is. It is ridiculous to suggest otherwise.
As news of his decision to reject an England recall broke, those who believe they have the Arsenal defender pinned were provided with further ammunition to perpetuate their view that he is unpatriotic, self-centred and flashy.
Dig deeper, however, and you’ll discover the reality is rather different. Misunderstood. Generous. Unassuming. Focussed.
Here, Mail Sport will take you to the root of why the normalised impressions of White are wide of the mark.
From a frightening childhood illness that attacked his immune disorder, to being dumped by Southampton’s academy, to his undying devotion to Marcelo Bielsa’s tortuous ‘murderball’ methods, the 26-year-old’s journey has been plotted with hardships.
But, ultimately, it’s a story of success earned against the backdrop of shattering setbacks.
White wouldn’t expect you to break out the violins - but just an opportunity to hear him out.
‘He is the type of boy you can’t dislike,’ Chris Hughton, manager at
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