Great Britain's footballers are intent on extending their unique Olympic experience as long as possible.
After opening their campaign with a draw against Senegal on Thursday, Stuart Pearce's side take on United Arab Emirates at Wembley on Sunday looking for a win that will give them a hefty shove towards the quarter-finals. And that would expose them to more of the village life that is so vastly different to the cosseted Premier League world they are used to.
"Every single one of us, 18 players, myself and my coaching staff, will cherish this experience for the rest of their lives and want to extend it for as long as we can," said Pearce. "We are savouring every moment."
He added: "It makes everyone appreciate there is a bigger picture than just football.
"There is a perception about our profession but that is a small minority. The vast majority are very hard working."
Yet Pearce is acutely aware his team have a job to do after conceding a late equaliser against Senegal.
But GB are buoyed by the availability of Welsh duo Craig Bellamy and Joe Allen, who suffered the worst from Senegal's 'robust' approach.
Pearce again opted not to condemn the Africans and instead kept the focus purely on his own team.
"I don't know what is being said outside the football bubble and it is out of my control anyway," he said.
"People have been talking about this being our first Olympic team for 52 years but my message throughout has been the same. We are in this for the long haul - but our results and performances have to match the ambition."
Source: PA
