Walsall's Russell Martin joins the green party and claims 'clubs can do more' to save environment
Walsall's Russell Martin has revealed he has joined the Green Party – with the defender believing football clubs can do more to help the environment.
In an interview with the Guardian, the 32-year-old discussed his views on climate change and his decision to turn vegan four years ago.
Martin, who previously voted Labour, opted to join the Green Party after meeting former leader Caroline Lucas.
"I’ve voted Labour all my life," he said.
"But knowing Caroline a little bit, what she stands for, what the party represents, I just thought this aligns with my values and morals.
“I’ve been a vegan for four years, plant-based, so that awakens you socially to become a lot more conscious about things.
"I’ll be honest, that wasn’t for ethical reasons at first, it was purely health.
"I was struggling with ulcerative colitis and I did a lot of research into diet and what could help.
"But then when you become involved in that it raises your awareness of the ethical side. You actually look at it and think: 'This makes sense.'"
