The Everton goalkeeper reveals that West Ham United’s Joe Hart has had a big influence on his career.
Speaking to Everton’s official website, club-record signing Jordan Pickford has revealed that he views West Ham United’s Joe Hart as something of a role model.
Pickford became the third most expensive goalkeeper of all time by joining Everton in a £30 million move from Sunderland back in June.
At just 23, the England Under-21 international has a very bright future in front of him and Hart, who was Manchester City’s first-choice keeper from the same age, can relate to having the spotlight on him from a young age.
Hart, now with West Ham on loan, went on to fulfill his potential, winning two Premier League titles at Eastlands, before falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola.
And although Pickford stopped short of calling the 30-year-old a hero of his, the youngster did reveal that his rival at international level has ‘helped him massively’.
“I actually got his shirt when I was a young player at Sunderland,” he told Everton’s official website.“Two youth team players help in the changing room every week and I made sure I would be down for that game.
“I looked up to him because of the path he took to the top. He was not really a ‘hero’ of mine, or anything like that – it was more that he was a role model for me to follow.
“I do want to be England ‘keeper one day. I have been in the squad a couple of times and Joe has helped me massively. I am still young and learning… and will always be learning.”
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