Jesse Lingard Hits Back At Dance Critics
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Jesse Lingard has hit back at his critics in an interview with Shortlist.
The midfielder has habit of posting his dances moves and celebrations on social media. It's part of his demeanor, but people sometimes take offence to it.
Critics have attacked the Manchester United star for appearing on Instagram and showing off his silky dance moves too often.
They feel Lingard empitomises the stereotype of a 'modern footballer', someone who has no respect for the club, is overpaid, thoroughly concerned with himself, and has no heart.
But Lingard has hit back. He told Shortlist: "People need to realise that footballers have personalities.
"Me, I'm bubbly. I'm fun. I don't understand it when people say, 'Why are you always dancing?' What do you mean, 'Why?' It's my character. Who's someone to say you can't dance?"
Lingard emerged as one of the star performers for Man United this season. His form has earned him a call-up to the 23-man England squad for the World Cup, where he'll likely be a first-team starter, as the national side face off against Panama, Tunisia and a tricky test by the way of Belgium in the group stages.
The Warrington-born player says understands the importance of wearing the Three Lions badge but says that, as a footballer, it's important to let your hair down: "Sometimes you might go for weeks without a day off as a footballer. It's good to let your hair down and have a couple of celebratory drinks. You enjoy the moment and have fun."
Lingard is one of the key members of Gareth Southgate's squad for the much-anticipated event in Russia.
We hope he smashes it this summer and proves his doubters wrong once again.
Lingard said of England's chances: "It's a good group, winnable games. I think we can progress far, even to the final. We've got the confidence. And with the team that we've got, why not?"
Bring the trophy home, boys.
