Tottenham star Xavi Simons enrols at Harvard during injury layoff
Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Xavi Simons is heading back to school after signing up for a course at the prestigious Harvard University. The Dutch midfielder is currently working his way back from a severe knee problem, as reported by BBC Sport.
At 23 years of age, the Netherlands international has been out of action since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament back in April. That devastating blow ruled him out of representing his country at the World Cup, leaving him with a lengthy rehabilitation period.
According to a report by the Evening Standard, the midfielder is set to remain on the sidelines until the new year. However, he is determined to make the absolute most of his enforced absence from the pitch.
A productive period away from London
Simons has officially joined the Crossover into Business programme at Harvard Business School. The remote course is specifically designed for professional athletes who want to sharpen their commercial knowledge and prepare for life after sports.
The online curriculum pairs elite sportspeople with Harvard MBA students, who act as mentors to help them navigate various business case studies. Writing on his personal LinkedIn account, Simons expressed his excitement about embarking on this academic journey.
Writing on LinkedIn, Simons said:
“During my recovery, I’ve been trying to use my time in the best way possible. Football is still my main focus, but I also want to keep learning and improving away from the pitch.”
The Dutch attacker has already spent time travelling across the United States to work with medical specialists on his physical recovery. During his travels, he visited the Harvard campus in Boston and took the opportunity to experience other major American sports.
Expanding horizons across the Atlantic
Simons spent time with both the Boston Celtics basketball team and the Boston Bruins ice hockey team during his stay in the country. This experience on both the East and West Coasts has given him a fresh perspective on his career.
Explaining his motivation for taking the course on LinkedIn, Simons said:
“I’ve always been interested in more than just football. I want to understand the business side of the game better, learn from people in different industries and keep developing as a person.”
While the academic side of his recovery is exciting, the midfielder has reassured Tottenham supporters that his primary focus remains on his football. He is eager to get back onto the grass as soon as possible.
Writing again on LinkedIn, Simons added:
“Getting back on the pitch is still my number one priority.”
Following in famous footsteps
Simons is far from the first high-profile footballer to seek academic enrichment at the American institution. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga previously completed a short course in the business of entertainment, media and sports.
Former Chelsea players Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata also undertook studies at the university, while legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson took a teaching role there in 2014. Other sporting figures, such as tennis champion Victoria Azarenka, have also completed the Crossover into Business course.
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi will be hoping to welcome his creative midfielder back into the squad in the near future. Simons is reportedly making excellent progress with his rehabilitation and could return ahead of schedule.
