He’s now admitted his ambition to play in a famous annual televised match. It’s not that simple, though, given that he’s signed a string of lucrative sponsorship deals that depend on him keeping himself intact.
“I would love to play the Soccer Aid (match),” he said in an interview with esportsinsider.com. “But it’s just hard finding the time – and hopefully not breaking my arm.”
The clash is an exhibition match between England and a World XI, with players made up of ex-professional stars and celebrities. This year’s version, which took place at Old Trafford in June, included the likes of Joe Hart, Paul Scholes, Mo Farah and Louis Tomlinson.
The event has raised more than £121million since the inaugural version in 2006. However, despite Littler’s intentions, his awareness of the importance of his now fabled right arm seemingly makes it unlikely ‘The Nuke’ will line up anytime soon.
Litter has embraced his support of United during Premier League events. He’s regularly booed in Liverpool but hasn’t been afraid to respond, and during his walk-on last April, he held up two fingers to mock the Reds losing 2-0 to Everton.
He’s also a big rugby league fan and was honoured by his hometown club, the Warrington Wolves, for their Super League opener in February this year. Following his world title success, they temporarily renamed their stadium after him for the 18-12 win over Catalan Dragons.