Happy birthday Max! What will you do to celebrate?
“I’m just going for some dinner with family and some close friends. We’re going to get some Japanese food to keep it healthy as we’ve still got one more game to finish on Sunday. I like Japanese food but I don’t like sushi, so it’s a weird thing to say, but I like all the chicken, beef and rice dishes and stuff like that!”
You’re turning 28, so coming into the prime of your career!
“I hope so!”
You’ve got an incredible appearance record over the last three seasons. What an achievement?
“Yeah, I think I’ve been quite consistent in the last couple of years, getting into being a regular in the Premier League. I think I’m doing well in that regard, but of course I think I’ve still got much more to give. Even looking to next season, I want to improve again and show what more I can do, and we can produce more as a team on the pitch.”
What is the secret of your fitness and resilience?
“I look after myself, but I think it’s a lot of luck as well, because it takes maybe one unlucky step or someone to kick you, unfortunately, and it could all change. I just keep my head down working, trying to stay as fit as I can and being as robust as I can.
“To be honest, I think I’ve improved a lot with my nutrition, my diet and my sleep. Of course, there’s much more room for improvement because I don’t think I’m perfect at all. But definitely, I think, as I’m getting into being more of a senior player, I’ve definitely focused on that side of football because that can give you an extra five, ten per cent. I think it’s definitely helped when it comes to training and games and made me a better professional all round.”
You make sacrifices too, like you’ll toast your birthday with a glass of water rather than wine tonight?
“I think it’s more that you have to make a lot of sacrifices as a kid, when your mates are probably going out doing other things after school, I’ve always been in the car going to training. Those are the main sacrifices.
“I think now as a first-team footballer, you do have to make sacrifices, of course, but we have such a regimented schedule, we all have to follow that. Everyone has those kind of decisions they have to make in life and I made mine as a kid to stay focused, disciplined and be mature to achieve my aim of becoming a footballer.
“I think that’s the real test, when you’re younger, as when you become an adult this is your job and career and something you love to do, so you do what you have to do.”