Nicky Butt Reflects on World Cup 2002 and His Drive to Prove Himself

Nicky Butt was an underappreciated footballer, successful in his career but often overshadowed by players more prolific when it came to attracting headlines.

The former Manchester United midfielder is a six-time Premier League winner and a European champion, recognized at the international level as well.

Butt played 39 times for England, including at World Cup 2002, where the legendary Pele sang his praises.

Nicky Butt on his World Cup 2002 motivation

"I’ll tell you a story about that, and I don’t tell it often," Butt shares. "When I went to that World Cup, I wasn’t expected to play, but then Steven Gerrard got injured.

In big games, like the Champions League final in 1999, I always had something in my mind: 'If I don’t do well here or we don’t win, it’s because [Paul Scholes] and [Roy Keane] are suspended.'"

"Then it shifted to, 'If I don’t do well at the World Cup for England, it’s because Gerrard’s not here.' "

"I was talking to the media and this misguided journalist asked, 'Well, obviously you might play now Steven’s not around?'

"It was irritating, and he was right — I was nowhere near as good as Gerrard — but it motivated me.

"So I made sure that whatever I did in that World Cup, I did myself proud."

Butt played many crucial matches in the tournament, showing his resilience and dedication. After a successful stint at Manchester United, he moved on to Newcastle United and Birmingham City, retiring in 2015.

Butt also served as the CEO of Salford City before stepping down to focus on coaching in 2024.