Injured Xavi Simons enrols in a Harvard study programme

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons has enrolled in an online study programme offered by Harvard while recovering from a long-term knee injury. The 23-year-old has been out since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear last April, an injury that also ruled him out of the World Cup.

The programme brings athletes together with Harvard master’s students in business administration. They work jointly on practical case studies and explore approaches to managing institutions and projects. Simons recently travelled to the United States to step up his physical rehabilitation. He also took the opportunity to visit Harvard’s campus in Boston.

The player announced the move on LinkedIn, writing: “I’m going back to studying.” He said he wanted to make good use of his recovery, while stressing that football remained his priority. “I’ve always been interested in things beyond football. I want to better understand the business side of the game, learn from people working in different fields and continue to develop personally,” he added. Simons also said: “Getting back on the pitch remains my absolute priority. At the same time, I want to use this period to keep learning and invest in myself away from football. I’m looking forward to starting this experience.”

There has been a recent precedent: last June, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga took a short course at Harvard on the business of entertainment, media and sport, after being left out of France’s World Cup squad. In 2014, after retiring from coaching, Sir Alex Ferguson also held a long-term teaching position at Harvard.