“With football, especially I think in England, you can be put in a box and you’re not always allowed to express yourself or do things that you would normally do. So, for me, fashion, is a way to get out of that box and to show people my creative side.”
What is the one item of clothing that if it’s missing, you know the other one has it?
DeAndre: We have a grey Fear of God Essentials sweatsuit and that’s always the go-to when we don’t know what to wear.
Crystal: We bought it with the aim for it being of both of us but we genuinely do fight over that Essentials sweatsuit.
What song reminds you of each other?
DeAndre: Cardi B reminds me of Crystal. One of the first times she came to England, we went out and Bodak Yellow came on and she knew every word; she was doing the routine. I was like ‘woah.’ It was that energy she had the first night I met her and I was just like ‘wow.’ Anytime we’re in a club, a car or anywhere and that song comes on I now have to look away because I know she’s going to be going crazy.
Crystal: Anything that is Roddy Rich or DaBaby. Immediately they remind me of DeAndre. I couldn’t even sing a song because he literally knows the words to every single one!
When you’re playing at home DeAndre, at St. James’ Park, do you guys travel together? If so, who’s controlling the music then?
DeAndre: We do travel together and literally the only reason we do is on the walk-in to the stadium, there are hundreds of match photographers and Crystal puts on her nice outfits and I’m pissed because I’m only allowed to wear the club tracksuits!
Crystal: I need their photos!
DeAndre: It’s hard because as a player I don’t want to be posting mad fashion pictures all the time on my Instagram. And, also, I hate taking pictures of Crystal because it’s cringey to me. So, those walk-ins are the only times we can get candid pictures of us together, where Crystal can put some fits on.
DEANDRE: VEST KOZHA. CRYSTAL: JUMPER OFF WHITE
What is the each other’s biggest guilty pleasure?
Crystal: I can’t stop eating Ferrero Rocher. I was keeping it under wraps but DeAndre saw them. Right now, we’re both on our healthy eating Vegan regime but I cannot stop eating these chocolates. I hid them and DeAndre found them. I really thought I was going to be in trouble and DeAndre went and ate them himself.
DeAndre: I can’t stay away from them, to be honest. That’s our biggest guilty pleasure is that we can’t admit to each other how much we like them. It’s getting out of control.
What is the one thing on your shared bucket list?
DeAndre: To travel. Growing up in America there’s loads of dope places but being here is so amazing because you can go anywhere. You can be in Spain in a couple hours Croatia in three; go to Greece, Turkey – whatever. Everything is in such close proximity and that’s so new to us. So, to experience that many different cultures so close is special. We both love experiencing new things and new cultures.
Crystal: We both love adventures! Whether that’s going on the tallest rollercoaster or the craziest journeys, that’s what we love.
What’s the one thing you’ve learned since being in Newcastle?
DeAndre: Being here has really made me realise how much I love my family and my home – how much I miss them and I need people around me. Before, I never would have thought I would need my family so much. But it made me realise how much of a family man I am. Which is great. Being here makes me realise and important family is.
Crystal: I love a lot of things about Newcastle. I love how fresh the food is compared to where I’m from. We’re vegan so I cook fresh produce every day. Before I moved here, I didn’t know anything about football. Not a thing. To see how passionate the Newcastle United fans are and to see how into the game they are is incredible. It’s been fascinating to witness their love. I’m now a big fan.