SPURS star Xavi Simons has taken part in a heartfelt video with his grandma to raise awareness surrounding Alzheimer’s.
The 22-year-old spoke candidly to Spurs’ media channels about his relationship with his beloved relative, as well as her journey with the disease.
He also took time to show her and the rest of his family around the training ground where he now plies his trade, since making the move to Spurs for £58million in the summer.
The attacking midfielder said: “She loses a little bit about information in life, and that’s hard because I know the woman that she was and that she still is.
“It’s a reminder for us when we wake up, we are lucky to be here with her still.
“My grandma was my second mum, we try to enjoy all of the little moments we have together.
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“Especially in my case we are so busy with what we are doing on a daily basis that we forget a little bit how precious life is.
“The illness is sad, but from a negative situation I try to see the positive way, so enjoying the little moments with her like playing games or going for a walk; that makes me be at peace.”
He showed her the gym, training pitches and even the trophy cabinet, where she took a particular liking to the Europa League trophy on display.
Simons’ grandmother’s pride in his career is evident, having supported his journey from being a young prospect at Barcelona, to a star playing with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and now Spurs, with all the challenges that entails.
She admitted: “I told him that it felt strange not having him around anymore, I feels so bad when he goes.”
But she then added: “I’m so proud of you and I hope you achieve great things, and that you can get whatever you want and you can do whatever you want.”
Simons has also been getting involved with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, supporting those living with Alzheimer’s in the local area.
The Dutch international joined in with a special activity session in Enfield alongside Alzheimer’s Society.
He joined a group to take part in activities such as singing and some seated exercises designed to help keep those living with the disease strong in mind and body.
He added: “It’s a really positive thing to see the community and the good vibes here. It’s beautiful to help them. Being there and able to give them a little smile, I was happy to do it.”
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