English soccer club grants player leave to appear on 'Love Island'

Sometimes, life truly does imitate art. 

Macclesfield FC out of England confirmed Thursday they have granted forward Tom Clare leave so that he can appear on the "Love Island" reality television show.

"Tom approached us with the request a number of weeks ago and we were happy to show the same loyalty that he has to us since becoming one of our first-ever signings back in 2021," the club explained. "Despite the fact that we are disappointed to lose a player of Tom’s calibre for the foreseeable future, we also recognise the incredible opportunity that this represents for both him and his family on a personal level.

"Tom remains very much part of our plans here at the Leasing.com Stadium and has expressed his unwavering desire to return to the Club after the show. We wish Tom every success and look forward to welcoming him back to the Club in due course." 

According to ESPN, Clare joined Macclesfield in 2021 and was their top goalscorer last season. Sky Sports News pointed out Clare also led the club with 23 goals for the 2021-22 campaign and is under contract until 2024. 

Macclesfield play in the Northern Premier League West Division.