The last big name of Crystal Palace: I used to want to be a professional wrestler, but now I want to kick until I’m 40 years old

Sumers: Do you still live with them now?

Gey: Yes. My sisters’ home is my home, and everyone in the house is very interesting. To some extent, I can be myself, are you right? I don’t know if I am the only one who feels like this in the football circle, but sometimes you have to pretend. You don’t have to be another you, but you have to be able to bend and stretch in order to survive in this environment.

This is a very difficult environment - cruel and ruthless, it is really difficult. There are many bluffs and pretentious people. But when I’m at home, I can relax and be myself. Family is my foundation and I love being with them.

Sumers: How do your family describe you?

Gey: They will call me "troll"! That means I'm always slandering people. I'm not serious at all, but I feel very, very serious. My family is not like me. My nickname "Uncle Mark"... sounds serious, but it's not too serious.

Sumers: What do you like to do when you want to escape the world of football?

Gey: I like listening to music...learn different things, such as learning to be a DJ. I can also read all kinds of books, and I also like to go to the cinema to watch movies because no one goes to the cinema now, and it feels really good to be alone in the cinema... and popcorn! I have been playing drums in church for a long time, and I have also played drums in school. I don't have a drum set, but I really want one. This is a really great way to enjoy music and relax.

Favorite book? I would say it was Ray Bradbury's 451 degrees Fahrenheit. The story is set in the future world, and firefighters do not extinguish the fire, but set fire. They burned books—burn all the knowledge in the world—and a firefighter was questioning it all.

Sumers: Escape...It sounds like this is really important to you.

Gey: I think this is positive. When you are in this environment all day long - desire to win games, desire to be the best player, desire to give everything to the fans...you need something that will temporarily forget your worries and stress. To some extent, it can lift you back, put you in your best condition, and regain that mentality.

Sumers: Favorite movie?

Gey: "Never End". I love Bradley Cooper. You must watch it, I love this movie very much.

Sumers: Are you a sociable person?

Gey: Yes, but I don't have many friends. My friends are either in different countries or live in Manchester or Liverpool, so it's hard to get in touch.

Sumers: How would your best friend describe you?

Gei: childish.

Sumers: How do you describe yourself?

Gey: I would say 'There is a job to do'.

Sumers: You always look forward, don't you?

Gei: I have to do this, I can't sit there and feel the passing of life quietly.

Sumers: Which is the most important game in your career?

Gei: FA Cup final? No, no…not to me. What I value more is the club and the fans, and I am truly happy for them. But to me…to be honest, I don’t think I’ve reached the finals yet because I think that’s far. There will certainly be a final in my career, but not now.

Sumers: What are you most proud of in your career so far?

Gei: Persist. I am very strict with myself, and I like it. This keeps me alert, down-to-earth, focused, and eager to make progress—just because I keep sticking to it. Not because of the outside voice or anything, but because of the pressure I put on myself. I have high requirements, and I am almost fighting myself to some extent and keep going, which is a good thing.

Sumers: Say something that surprised us.

Gey: I would love to be a WWE wrestler. I've watched WWE since I was a kid, it aired on Netflix, and I've watched some paid shows. I would love to be a WWE wrestler, which can be dangerous, but in terms of performance…I’m good at shaking my head in front of the microphone…it’s hard to figure out if I’m a good person or a bad person.

Sumers: Finally, if you want to achieve one more thing in your career, what would it be?

Gei: Kicked to 40 years old. It is great to win trophys and participate in different competitions, but I think this is the proof that truly reflects a person's professional quality. Of course, I will be hurt, which is always a pity, I hope God bless me to kick for that long.