TOTTENHAM star Xavi Simons is going back to school to study business at the prestigious Harvard University, which accepted him during his recovery from knee injury.
Simons, 23, ruptured his ACL in April during Spurs’ 1-0 win over Wolves and was before being stretchered off the Molineux pitch.
The playmaker is not expected to return before February amid another rough campaign for the winless North Londoners, who are bottom of the table after losing three of their first five matches.
However, the Netherlands international is making the most of his time in the sidelines as he decided to prepare for life after retirement by obtaining a business degree.
And the ex- star managed to earn a place at Harvard Business School to “improve away from the pitch”.
Simons posted on LinkedIn : “I’m going back to school. During my recovery, I’ve been trying to use my time in the best way possible.
“ is still my main focus, but I also want to keep learning and improving away from the pitch.
“I’m happy to share that I’ve been accepted onto the Crossover Into Business Program at Harvard Business School.
“It’s an online program where professional athletes learn more about business alongside HBS MBA students.
“I’ve always been interested in more than just football. I want to understand the business side of the game better, learn from people in different industries and keep developing as a person.“
spent a lot of time in the United States during his road to recovery and decided to go down the academic route after a trip to Boston where he got to visit Harvard.
However, the star is adamant that football remains his “number one priority“.
Simons added: “Over the last few weeks, I’ve spent time on both the East Coast and West Coast in the U.S., meeting new people and seeing different ways of working. It’s given me a lot of new ideas.
“It also makes this experience extra special because of Professor Anita Elberse. We first met during my time at , and later again at Paris Saint-Germain.
“We’ve stayed in touch over the years, so it was great to see her again and visit Harvard while I was in Boston.
“Getting back on the pitch is still my number one priority. At the same time, I want to use this period to keep learning and invest in myself beyond football.
“Looking forward to getting started. Thank you for the welcome, Anita.“
