Michæl Lewis

To any young kid reading this… I’ve doubted myself in every league I’ve ever played in. Ryman Prem. Conference South. League Two. League One. Championship… And even right before my first Premier League start last night. That’s not weakness. That’s being human. That’s being alive. When I was growing up, I thought Premier League players were superhuman. Like they never felt doubt. Like they never felt nerves. The truth is…. it’s often the opposite. Social media won’t tell you that sometimes you step out there with no confidence. That’s normal. That’s ok! You now have to then step out there with courage. Confidence feels good. Courage doesn’t. But you do it anyway. Show courage enough times…. You build confidence. Here’s the mindset that’s carried me for 31 years. When it goes well: I worked for it. I earned it. Well done. Watch it back. Get better. When it doesn’t: I know I prepared the best I could. It didn’t go exactly to plan. That’s football. But Well done. Watch it back. Get better. That simple recipe gave me a special moment last night. Leading the team out. Playing alongside a group that fights for every ball. Celebrates tackles. Gives everything for the city of Sunderland. And sharing it with supporters who never gave up, even after four tough seasons in League One. So if you’re a young player feeling doubt… Low confidence… Or like you don’t believe in yourself… You’re not alone. Every player feels it. Confidence isn’t something you’re given. It’s something you build. Bit by bit. Day by day. With courage. With work. With learning. Anything worth building takes time. But that’s what makes it so worthwhile! Thank you @SunderlandAFC ❤️🤍

👏🙌💪 Ao Tanaka’s primary school teacher travelled from Japan to Elland Road to watch his former student play last night. What a game and goal to witness. 💙🤍💛 #lufc #Leeds #Chelsea #ChelseaFC

We're proud to be supporting the #TogetherAgainstSuicide initiative alongside @Samaritans and the @PremierLeague. 💙🤍 Find safe spaces, trained listeners and vital support at @The_AmexStadium. 🫂

I was sceptical about DCL. But this reply to a fan on Instagram has changed my mind. What a man 😍 #lufc

To our friends at @MorecambeFC – you're welcome at Gigg Lane this Saturday ❤️ We’ve been where you are. We stand with you. Join us at Gigg Lane this Saturday (9th Aug) for free – just show your Morecambe season ticket or wear your badge. Let’s share the love of the game, together. 🤝 Read More: buryfc.co.uk/a-message-to-m… #MorecambeFC #BuryFC #FootballFamily #UTS @SaveMorecambeFC @shrimpstrust