Tim Howard told to shave beard by President Obama
Everton and United States of America goalkeeper Tim Howard was told to shave his beard by President Barack Obama so that he isn’t recognised when he turns home and isn’t mobbed by fans in a nation that has embraced “soccer” following the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
In a telephone conversation with Howard, President Obama joked that Howard would be mobbed by fans following his record breaking number of saves against Belgium in one of the games of the tournament.
He also said they had “captured the imagination” of a nation and that their contribution would have a “significant” impact on the country and its football.
The highlight, however, was a tip to Howard on how to cope with his elevation to American icon status.
“Tim, I don’t know how you’re going to survive the mobs when you get back home, man,” said Obama. “You’re going to have to shave your beard so they don’t know who you are.”
Laughing, Howard thanked the president and added: “We knew you were watching and we knew how big a supporter you are, so hopefully we made you proud. It was our honour, as it always is, to represent our country.”
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