'They don't really let us be humans' - Ex-Arsenal star Hector Bellerin insists clubs do not teach players to be 'good citizens'

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Real Betis right-back Bellerín has opened up on the pressures of being a professional footballer, revealing that he felt "protected" from real life during his time at Arsenal. Now starring for Manuel Pellegrini's side after a decade in England, the 30-year-old believes more needs to be done by clubs to help prepare players for the realities of life after their playing days are over.

Bellerín, who made 239 appearances for Arsenal, has long been recognised as one of the most thoughtful and articulate voices in football. The Spaniard is a vocal advocate for environmentalism and sustainability, and has spoken out on social issues.

Bellerin told The Rest Is Football: "I think clubs all over the world, since you’re young, they want to give you all the tools to be a good footballer.

"They don’t really necessarily give you all the tools to be a good citizen, to be a good human, to be a good husband, a good dad etc. You know, all the education we take is focused on the sport.

"When you’re comfortable, you don’t need to question things because everything is good, everything’s fine. You don’t have to fight for what you’re going to eat next month, you know your family’s covered, if you have an issue you can go to a private hospital – you know, life is easy when you have money.

"Footballers have money, footballers are idols, and I feel like football clubs protect us too much in that way, you know? They don’t really let us be the humans we need to be."

Bellerín is currently under contract at Real Betis until 2028, having returned to the club he supported as a boy last summer.