Hector Bellerin admits 'dehumanised' footballers live in a bubble and 'should pay most taxes'

Hector Bellerin believes 'dehumanised' footballers can use their privilege to better society rather than live isolated 'in their bubble'.

The Barcelona right-back never shies away from sharing his opinion off the pitch, regularly campaigning for social causes in his free time.

Bellerin spoke at length about environmental issues in 2019 during his time at Arsenal. Later that year, he encouraged young people in the United Kingdom to vote while criticising eventual winner and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

He recently questioned why the Ukraine war received global attention while other conflicts around the globe remained relatively untouched by the mainstream media.

The 27-year-old provided further insight into his beliefs while speaking to Catalan publication Ara. He criticised his fellow professionals who are happy to abuse their privilege and neglect any responsibility.

Bellerin said: "Footballers are the people who should pay the most taxes. I come from a family where there were months when we had to do the impossible to be able to eat.

"I continue to live with people like that, with friends, friends of the family. Everyone wants to earn money to be more comfortable, but with what I earn I think you have to think not only about your environment but also about society, where there are very precarious situations."

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He added: "We footballers are in a very privileged position. We have worked hard and made many sacrifices, but we must be aware of what we have, and where we come from and we should be the first to want to help the stability of our society. However, I understand that there are colleagues who think differently. We footballers are dehumanised, [living] in a bubble."

Bellerin was in the Barcelona academy as a youngster before moving to Arsenal in 2011. He'd spend 10 years in England, winning three FA Cups, before returning to Spain on loan with Real Betis last summer.

During his time with Betis, they won the Copa del Rey, their first major honour since 2005. After returning to Arsenal over the summer, he signed for Barcelona after terminating his contract via mutual consent.

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The defender confessed he no longer thinks about money when playing football but about how high of a level he can reach.

He concluded: "I signed with Barça for 500,000 euros. Nowadays, what worries me is playing football at the highest level.

"I am lucky that I have been doing this for many years and I am in a financially comfortable situation that allows me to enjoy the that I want. In the end, we don't need as much as we think and I live a very normal life. My priorities are not based on a financial issue."

Bellerin has featured five times for Barcelona this season. He is likely to depart upon the expiry of his contract in the summer.