Sassuolo aren’t in the Europa League this year, so defender Francesco Acerbi uses his Thursdays to do voluntary work.
The Italy international believes taking time round the back of a store that employs mainly young people with Down’s Syndrome gives him a sense of perspective.
“I come here because these kids always have a smile on their faces,” Acerbi told La Gazzetta di Modena.
Sassuolo aren’t in the Europa League this year, so defender Francesco Acerbi uses his Thursdays to do voluntary work.
The Italy international believes taking time round the back of a store that employs mainly young people with Down’s Syndrome gives him a sense of perspective.
“I come here because these kids always have a smile on their faces,” Acerbi told La Gazzetta di Modena.
“We complain, at times, over such stupid things in life, yet they created this world of happiness. Some play musical instruments, go bowling or play football.
“I like to help out and today I’m joining in as they make water wings. At times I paint or do some work with clay. They’re great people I can talk to and joke with about more or less anything. The best part is, they always tell you the truth. They have no hidden motives or show you a mask. I wish everyone was like this.
“They also work really hard and don’t let me off the hook when I’m here either!”
Acerbi is already well known beyond his football career for the fact he beat cancer twice.
“I would’ve done voluntary work anyway, but perhaps with a different mentality. Playing football for a living is a profession like any other, and of course we get to do what we love, but it’s also a hard life that lasts only a few years and requires a lot of sacrifice. There’s enormous pressure and psychological strain.”