ENGLAND-born Saints youngster Caleb Watts expressed his pride towards Australia following his Olyroos Olympic Games call-up, saying: “I feel very connected to the country.” Watts’ grandparents are from Australia and his Dad was born in the country, with the central midfielder representing them at under-17 level for the 2019 World Cup in Brazil. The side advanced to the knockout stages before falling 4-0 to eventual semi-finalists France, and Watts has also represented the under-23 side since. Speaking to the Olyroos official podcast,
Caleb Watts said: “I feel very connected to the country, obviously I’ve got an English accent and all but I do feel more Australian than anything, especially when I stick that shirt on. I think I was just in my bed and I got a call from Arnie saying I was in the squad. I kind of did like a double-take to really register what he said. My mum is a massive Olympics fan, so she did a lot of screaming, but it was a nice surprise for her to wake up to.”
It was however a famous British Olympic moment which Watts reflected fondly on. Asked of his Games memories,
Caleb Watts added: “Yeah I think in London 2012 when Mo Farah won the 5000m, seeing how the excitement around the country bought people together, that’s one of the reasons I love sport, that’s a moment that sticks in my head. I didn’t really know anyone coming here (the Australia camp) but everyone’s very friendly and we’re all here for the same reason. I think after a couple of days everyone’s comfortable around everyone and the standard of training has been good.”
