Last update on.Thorsby joined Sampdoria 2019 and has encouraged Sampdoria to be more environmentally-friendly since.While the number 2 shirt is often associated with right-backs in football, it has a greater meaning for one player.Sampdoria's Morten Thorsby, a Norwegian midfielder, made 33 appearances last season in the top-flight of Italian football.While his position will not change, the 25-year old will move from 18 to 2 this season.Why? To increase awareness about climate change.The number represents the internationally-adopted Paris Agreement target of keeping global temperatures "well below" 2C above pre-industrial times, in order to avoid dangerous levels of climate change.This is a goal that has been accepted by nearly 200 countries, and it is a figure Thorsby hopes to keep at the forefront of his supporters' minds."Purpose was something that I struggled with a lot as a teenager." Thorsby shared his thoughts with BroPod external-link: "I had to perform in soccer, but for me it didn't make sense.""I wanted more than anyone, but I also had a part of me that asked 'what are they doing? There is a massive environmental crisis in the world and I am still playing football. This is absurd."It got to the point where I wasn't sure I wanted [football] anymore. My parents came to me and they agreed that I should use my life fighting for what was important. I want to be as good as I can at football and continue to speak out about these important issues."Now I quote 'purpose-driven performance'. It's great to do something for something larger than your individual project.Thorsby founded "We Play Green" to further his cause. This initiative aims to involve the football community in environmental initiatives. It has already received support from other players.Thorsby said, "It's about awareness." "That people are aware that they make every decision. This is how you can get people to join your team.Sampdoria and Thorsby begin their 2020-21 season on Monday with a Coppa Italy first-round match against Alessandria.
