I know this is an old article, however I thought I should bring this to the table, as these are the kind of things we do not usually hear about from the footballers.

Generous De la Cruz keeps giving
The Premiership's most generous player is the latest big name to support Your Game.

Reading defender Ulises de la Cruz gives away 20% of his income to fund projects in his native Ecuador and says he can see how Your Game is helping to bring excluded groups together.

"Young people here don't have it as tough as they do in my country but they still need our help," he told Your Game.

"Football has great potential to do good and Your Game helps realise that."

Formerly at Aston Villa, De la Cruz has been playing in the world's richest league for five years but for him working here is very clearly a means to an end.

He said: "I enjoy playing in the Premier League but not just because of the football. The money I make motivates me greatly because it can help with my charitable projects.

"My legacy will be helping my village (Pichuiucho). For 35 years nothing changed there. The medical facilities are no good, the water system was no good and the houses had not improved.

"My foundation has been able to help change things and improve the situation for the children there."

Some of his team-mates at Villa and Reading have got involved with the work that has made De la Cruz, who has played more than 80 times for his country, a national hero in Ecuador.

So does feel more players could be doing work beyond the game itself?

"A lot of players here have a lot of money. I respect everybody's take on life but I'm frustrated that so many players focus on their next big house or next big car."

Reading is working with a number of teams that will compete in Your Game's west London festival.

When he heard about the project Ulises didn't need much persuading to get involved.

"Charities often need to form partnerships to be effective. Your Game brings together a lot of English charities that work towards the same goal," he added.

BBC SPORT | Football | Your Game | Generous De la Cruz keeps giving


Find out more Help Ulises with his charity work | Reading | News | Latest News | Latest News