Super Eagles of Nigeria and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey believes it is African culture to think about and take care of the family.
Calvin Bassey has opened up on the life of an African footballer, the wages, and the weight of expectations from family and friends.
The Fulham and Super Eagles defender is one of the many African footballers plying their trade in the English Premier League, and he earns a reported £45,000 per week.
Bassey, 25, has been ever-present for Fulham this season, playing on the left side of Marco Silva's defence and seeing his stock rise as Fulham sit comfortably in mid-table.
In a recent interview, the former Ajax defender explained the difference in culture and why players want more money and bigger contracts.
"When I look at my wage, half isn't mine. Half is like, for my mum, brothers, who I've got to look after," Bassey revealed.
"I can't speak for every other culture, but you know with the African culture, we're all about taking care of our families, and I have to do the same."
He also emphasised that the most important thing was being able to take care of his family back home.
"I have to think of my family back home and what I can do to help them out, so, as mad as it sounds, two to three thousand pounds a week can make a difference by looking after more people."
"That's why I feel like as players, we always want more. Not necessarily for ourselves or to live a flashy life but because we have people we look out for and that is a very important factor."
Bassey is not the only Nigerian making great strides at Fulham, as country teammate Alex Iwobi is also on the books of the Cottagers, and arguably their best player this season.
Both stars have contributed to the Cottagers' 10th-place standing this season.
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