Paul Izzo says he did not hesitate once the opportunity came about to become a Childhood Cancer Association ambassador.
The goalkeeper spoke about his new role ahead of Adelaide United’s clash with Newcastle Jets at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
“For me I came across a very special person last year,” he told reporters.
“I think we all know who Ace is by now and it opened my mind to a lot of things.
“And you get the question asked, ‘what are you doing in your spare time?’ and what it’s like being a professional footballer.
“And it’s true you do have a bit of spare time as well, and for me I was a bit lost in trying to jump into books or anything, so I had a few promos at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
“I felt like mentally I got so much out of it and I can’t imagine what the children and even the families would’ve got out of it as well.
“So I thought there’s no bigger honour to team up and work with the Childhood Cancer Association and play a bigger part.”
I couldn’t be prouder to officially become a @childhoodcancr Ambassador and support the incredible work they do for children with cancer and their families. pic.twitter.com/jSzrApSOZo
— Paul Izzo (@P_izzo) December 4, 2019
Izzo said their disappointing 2-1 loss against Wellington Phoenix serves as a timely reality check and ensure complacency does not become an issue.
He said a win combined with an improved display would help get the Reds back on track.
“I think it would be a great way to bounce back,” he said.
“We’re all extremely disappointed with how things went last weekend. We’re aware of how good our recent run was, but I think at the same it was a good little wake-up call to say the season is still a very long way to go.
“So we start again and look to get the three points this weekend.”
The 24-year-old agreed with Head Coach, Gertjan Verbeek’s, critical assessment when he labelled his side’s performance a “three or four” out of 10 against the Phoenix in the post-match press conference.
“I think you’ve got to real with yourself,” Izzo said.
“In terms of three out of 10 I probably agree, I mean from the level that we were at from the weeks before.
“I think it’s a fair assessment, and for us to get better we’ve to be honest with ourselves and we were very honest with ourselves this weekend, knowing that we didn’t play to our level.”
Adelaide United host Newcastle Jets in Round 9 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Sunday, 8 December at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.30pm ACDT. Gates open at 4.30pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
