Football's most wholesome post-match interviews

09 January 2021 17:00

Football isn't always the place to turn to for wholesome content.

With the majority of players media trained to within an inch of their life, this doesn't tend to leave much room for personalities to shine through in post-match interviews.

But occasionally, one will slip through the net and the beautiful game's hard nosed exterior will melt away for a few blissful minutes.

1. Michail Antonio

Michail Antonio always delivers in a post-match interview.

He gave a really refreshingly diplomatic interview after West Ham's 2-1 loss to Manchester United in April 2019 - the Red Devils victorious thanks to a pair of penalties, while the Hammers had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside - where he refused to blame the officials and was just full of praise for his team's performance.

"Referees are only human."

For more wholesome Antonio content, his breathless post-match interview following West Ham's 3-2 win over Chelsea in July 2020 is also a great watch.

2. Ellen White

England's 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat to USA was absolute emotional carnage - from Ellen White's marginally offside disallowed goal to the penalty that took an age to award and Steph Houghton's subsequently missed spot kick, it was utter turmoil.

Defeat was still very raw as forward White broke down in tears in her post-match interview, but when asked what more the Lionesses could have done she still managed to find a sense of humour, laugh and quip:

"Scored?"

3. Luke Matheson

Sixteen-year-old Luke Matheson netted the equaliser during Rochdale's famous 1-1 Carabao Cup draw with Manchester United in September 2019.

After scoring at Old Trafford that evening, he was due at school the following morning, and as he chatted away to journalists the fullback explained that he was taking his A Levels and stressed how much he values his education.

"I've got a psychology test tomorrow; looking forward to that."

4. Sean & Matty Longstaff

A 19-year-old Matty Longstaff made his Premier League alongside older brother Sean in the heart of the Newcastle midfield against Manchester United in October 2019.

He capped his debut by netting the winner - a sweetly struck first time effort from the edge of the box - in his side's 1-0 victory at St James' Park.

Matty Longstaff's delighted half-speechlessness coupled with the genuine brotherly pride of Sean Longstaff is just so pure.

5. Conor Coady

Conor Coady is always great value in his post-match interviews. Wolves could get relegated and he'd probably still be beaming away infectiously.

He made his senior England debut in September 2020 and followed this up a month later with his maiden international goal against Wales.

Post-match, Coady just grinned and shook his head in disbelief, like any normal person would after scoring for their country.

6. Ryan Christie

Scotland qualified for a major tournament for the first time in 23 years in November 2020 via a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Serbia - Andy Murray could hardly contain his excitement.

It wasn't just the three-time Grand Slam champion who was getting emotional, with Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie's voice trembling as he attempted to put the feeling into words.

"Oooh I'm gone!"

7. Mason Mount & Declan Rice

The wholesome content kept coming during November's international break, as Mason Mount and Declan Rice - best friends from their time in the Chelsea youth setup together - both scored during England's 4-0 win over Iceland.

The goal was particularly special for Rice as it was his first in an England shirt - and he got to share the moment with his best friend, who just chuckled away together post-match.

So Mason, did you enjoy your friend's goal almost as much as your own?

Rice: "He better have."

8. Louie Barry

Aston Villa forward Louie Barry had a Friday evening to remember against Liverpool in the FA Cup third round.

The 17-year-old scored on his debut for the club he had supported all of his life, swapped shirts with Fabinho and was then forced to chase the Liverpool midfielder down the tunnel after being reminded that he'd probably want to keep his debut shirt.

Barry celebrated his goal with an outpouring of emotion, and couldn't hide his joy in a wide-eyed, honest, beaming post-match interview.

Source: 90min