Estonia Defender Resumes Military Service Immediately After Playing England

Much has been made of Raheem Sterling's request not to start England's Euro qualifier in Estonia due to tiredness.

Whichever way you look at it, the Liverpool star's plight has been put into unfavourable context by the efforts of Arthur Pikk. Immediately after marking the likes of Wayne Rooney and his millionaire cohorts in Tallinn, the defender had to return to his barracks to resume his military service.

 The Independent reports:

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The 21-year-old left-back performed pretty well against Jordan Henderson, Calum Chambers and others but had a strict curfew after the game and had to be back at base by midnight.

Pikk, who was handed the starting berth by Estonia manager Magnis Pehrsson despite only playing five minutes of international football before Sunday's game, fits in national service around playing for his club Levadia Tallinn.

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An eight-month stint in the military is compulsory in Estonia, although professional athletes are only required to serve for three months.

According to ESPN, Estonia manager Magnis Pehrsson had to file a request with the Estonian Defence Forces to use the player.

Pikk's military obligations will conclude around Christmas time, meaning he will have no obligations preventing him from taking on Rooney once again in the return leg at Wembley next October.