Mathys Tel, the talented forward for Tottenham Hotspur, has recently addressed the challenges he faced after missing a critical penalty during a match against Paris Saint-Germain in August. Despite the frustration and the racist abuse he encountered on social media, Tel remains resolute in his commitment to take penalties in the future.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Following the controversial moment on the pitch, Tel successfully converted a penalty while playing for the France Under-21 team. He expressed his determination to step up again for Spurs when needed, referencing basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s famous philosophy on perseverance. Tel stated, “I will take a penalty again. No fear,” emphasizing the importance of trying despite potential setbacks.
Addressing Racism in Sports
Unfortunately, the racist comments directed at Tel were not unexpected. Reflecting on his previous experiences at Bayern Munich, he conveyed a sense of disappointment with how social media platforms handle abuse. He highlighted the ease with which individuals could create anonymous accounts to spread hate and called for stronger measures to protect athletes.
- Tel stated, “These types of bad comments still hurt you.”
- He urged social media companies to take more responsibility.
- Tel focuses on his work and avoids engaging with negative comments online.
Confidence and Commitment
When questioned about his willingness to take another penalty after his earlier miss, Tel admitted that pressure was a factor. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to overcome challenges, stating, “I will try again.” His successful shot for the Under-21s was a testament to his resilient mindset.
Giving Back to the Community
In addition to his on-field responsibilities, Tel has been actively involved in community initiatives. He took time off from training to engage with young students, participating in a session organized by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. His generosity extended to purchasing and distributing 40 Tottenham shirts to children, whom he also took the time to meet and sign autographs for.
Mathys Tel continues to demonstrate not only his talents on the field but also his dedication to making a positive impact off the field. Despite the challenges he faces, his commitment to success and community engagement set a powerful example for young athletes everywhere.
