James McClean may not be everyone’s cup of tea but no-one can doubt that he gives it his absolute all for club and country.
The Derry native is revered and respected by so many in Ireland but that’s not exactly the story across the water.
McLean’s combative nature, political stance, position on not wearing poppies on his jersey and the fact that he is never short of an opinion have all led to him copping untold abuse from stands across England.
Ahead of West Brom’s game with Leicester, this weekend, the Republic of Ireland and Baggies midfielder sat down with the BBC for a frank, honest interview on his life on and off the pitch.
https://twitter.com/juliette_grace/status/858009080937549826
During the interview, McClean dismissed the notion that he is a dirty player and claimed he is merely driven to do his damnedest to get all three points for his team.
When asked about the flak he takes for expressing political opinions, McClean revealed that he had received death threats in the past.
Following the Football Focus interview, there was a resounding wave of support for McClean:
Interesting interview of James McClean…nobody should have to get death threats nobody. It's only a game of football at the end of the day
— Dillon Smith (@DillonSmith69) April 29, 2017
Great interview with James McClean. A proud son of Derry & a gentleman. His integrity & honesty shone through. #FootballFocus
— Big Eye (@frylowerwhack) April 29, 2017
Up the James McClean !!! 👊🏼
— BP 🃏 (@Ben_Paddy) April 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/SeanHego_/status/858277672451018753
He changed the minds of several people:
https://twitter.com/Ozey05/status/858278961478086656
https://twitter.com/j_arney/status/858278714894954500
I know opinions on James McClean will divide many, but really impressed with his interview on Football Focus today.
— Bhavik Ghelani (@bhavikghelani) April 29, 2017
@BBCMOTD @BBCSport that James McClean interview was the best one all season – love or hate him, a great interview!
— Dan Tutty (@KingTut_10) April 29, 2017
But there will always be those that simply want to hate him:
https://twitter.com/garethg0704/status/858277156006318080
Everyone has their own beliefs but James McClean needs to take his back to Ireland.
— Charlotte Elizabeth. (@VivaLaCharlotte) April 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/Kevan_Rickard/status/858276923671273472
You can’t please everyone, especially when there are so many close-minded souls out there.
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