BEN has had his fair share of Everton defender suffered a broken leg and damaged ankle ligaments against Chelsea on the opening day of last season and it’s been a struggle to get back in the groove. The injury put the brakes on a Goodison career that was holding real promise after his £25 million move from Norwich in October 2020 and regular game time since has been difficult to come by.
f setbacks in the last couple of years but in the dark moments inspiration is never far away.
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But Godfrey is a fighter – and he has the perfect motivation in 18 month old son Reign. Naturally, he’s the apple of daddy’s eye. But he’s also a constant reminder to keep going, keep battling and survive.
Godfrey hopes to be back on the pitch in Sunday’s crucial dogfight relegation clash with Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park with injuries to captain Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson – out for the season – handing the versatile 26-year-old star an opportunity.
Says the defender: “There is never a good time to break your leg so it’s been tough, yes. For my family as well, who love watching me play and know how much it means to me to play. I am made to compete as all players are, so that being taken away through injury or team selection is always difficult.
Ben Godfrey paid a visit to Zoe’s Place in Liverpool (
Everton FC via Getty Images)
“But I am really fortunate in my family and friends. I have good people around me at home. They understand there are difficult periods and positive periods and I am really lucky with that.
“And I have got my little one, Reign, as well, which has always been nice over such a difficult period. It was a tough period but it’s definitely made me stronger in the long run. And Reign is an inspiration, yes.
“He helps me switch off. Having a baby changes a lot of things. I think it changes you as a person, instantly. There’s no love like it. It gives you an extra drive, 100 per cent. My motivation levels, I’m someone who is always motivated, anyway, I’ve never struggled with that.
“But it’s given me even more drive to do the right things and set the best examples possible. I love playing so when you are not in the team it is always hard. But at the same time I am part of a team, part of a unit. My job if I am not playing is to train hard, push the lads on, be positive to be around and ready to play my part when I am called upon.”
Godfrey was a late substitute in the 6-0 debacle at Chelsea but he insists the characters and determination in the Everton dressing room will see them bounce back hard against Forest.
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