Definitely not a popular name with Maltese football enthusiasts, but that might change in the near future. Jordan Williams, born in Bristol in 1997 and currently playing for Southampton FC. You may ask, "What connection does he have with Maltese football?’ Williams is of Maltese descenet and this means that although he never lived in Malta, he is still eligible to play for the Maltese national team. Although he could not be in Malta in recent weeks, we still had the opportunity to discuss his social and football life in England, and his perspectives about Malta through social networks.
So Jordan, would you like to introduce yourself before starting the interview?
Sure! I am 16 years old, born on the 28th July 1997; I am currently playing football for Southampton and am from Bristol, England. I enjoy playing golf, football and tennis and I train 4 times a week with a game also in the week and I am doing a sports course as well at the moment.
Well, a typical question. How did you get started in football?
I didn’t start playing football till I was 11 years old and it was just training with a team called Bristol Rovers Supporters Club.
Starting playing at the age of 11 and already on the books of a club like Southampton, shows that talented players are born not made. So, you said that you enjoy playing golf and tennis as well, Do any other sports help you with football skills?
I’ve always been quite an athletic player and good over a long distance. I did do athletics at the age of 14, doing long distance running, which helped me a lot for the pre-season. Also doing athletics since it’s such a focused event on the individual, it did help me learn to motivate myself more.
Good point, you look very motivated. Do you look up to someone as a role model?
Yes, I am very hungry for success! Yes even though I have always been a left back, I have always looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo, due to his motivation from a young age and from where he started to where he is know; it is such a great story which I’m sure many young players would love to follow.
Indeed! Now let’s discuss a bit your views about Malta, its attraction, its football and most of all your connection with the Maltese Islands. Have you ever been to Malta, and what did attract you most?
Yes, I have been to Malta quite recently in March, where I trained and played for the U17 national team for a week. I think the stadium is a very nice attraction also with the training pitches surrounding it, I managed to go into Valletta which was a very nice city as well!
Since many local fans do not know about your eligibility for the Maltese National Team, can you tell me why you can play for Malta and moreover, do you consider an experience in Maltese football, despite having a lower level compared to English football?
My dad is a quarter Maltese and we, not long ago spoke to a lawyer who said I will be eligible to play for the national team. Yes, I would certainly consider it; recently I’ve seen that Paul Ince is linked with a move to be the next Sliema manager and I think that if I did possibly come over to Malta to play I would like to try and possibly make first team football or reserves, but yes I definitely would consider coming over to play and would be willing to consider offers for certain!
Curiously: if you will have to choose to play either for the Three Lions or for Malta, what will be your decision and for which reasons?
I think England have a great national team and have some very big names playing for them but on the other hand I feel that how close I am to my Maltese half of the family it would only be right for me to represent Malta and try to help bring some young talent to the national team and give my all to try and help bring success also!
One last question to conclude this interview, what are your ambitions in your life, both in football and in your social life?
My main ambition in life is to become a professional footballer but if I don’t succeed, I will definitely take up a coaching role in football and also develop players through my experience as well. All I’ve ever wanted to do has to do with football.
I would like to thank Jordan Williams himself for his availability to discuss both sides of his life, as an ordinary teenager and as a player on the brink of a professional contract in English Football. Hopefully his hard work can be repaid by appearing on a shirt for the Maltese National Team.