Inter defender Djed Spence says he doesn’t ‘get nervous anymore’ before games and explains how music plays ‘a big part’ in his preparation.
Spence joined Inter from Tottenham in a €35m deal over the summer, but hasn’t yet made his debut for the Nerazzurri.
The England international has regained match fitness and is available for selection for the first time this season against Parma today.
Speaking to GQ Magazine, the England defender discussed his pre-match routine and his reputation as one of English football’s most relaxed players.
“I don’t really get nervous anymore,” he said.
“I probably stopped getting nervous when I was around 18.
“I think the World Cup, the first game before I was about to come on, that’s the first time I’ve felt like that again, when I was a bit nervous.
“I don’t have to call it nerves though; I like to call it just energy,” continued the Inter defender.
“I stay in my own bubble, because I feel like when other people are nervous, it can kind of feed onto you.”
The former Tottenham defender highlighted a few details of his off-field game preparation.
“Music’s a big part of me getting ready,” he said.
“Depends what I’m feeling for the day, what kind of vibe I’m going for, but normally [I listen to] music on the bus on the way there, kind of prepping myself. I might play a certain song when I’m walking out, or going into the changing room. From then on, it’s just like I’m focused, go-to-the-pitch music. I wear wired headphones. I’ll probably play more American artists, like Lil Durk.
“If I feel a certain way, I’ll just pray before the game in my hotel room, and I’ll probably do two more prayers in the changing room,” he added.
“Not really [five times a day], but I just try to pray as much as I can. I feel it gives me guidance, gives me strength, gives me power. I leave it in God’s hands. I put that pressure on God; it’s not really on me.”
Good sleep is also crucial for a top-level footballer.
“I just try to go to bed at a reasonable time – around midnight the day before a game,” Spence said.
“I’m probably going to get into yoga, and more recovery stuff, like red light therapies and oxygen tanks.”
Discussing his life away from football, Spence also opened up about his family.
“My family’s very important to me. I’ve got three sisters. They are my best friends. We do everything together – go on holiday, go out to eat,” he concluded.
“We’ve got a very close family and great dynamics. Probably every day I talk to them. It could be through Instagram memes or something, just stupid stuff. We play PlayStation together online. I don’t think there’s ever a time I don’t speak to them.”
