Who is your sporting hero?
I was a weird child, always studying centre halves. There were Billy Bonds and Willie Young, and the first World Cup I remember was 1974 with Ruud Krol of Holland and Franz Beckenbauer of Germany. But the one I admired most was Bobby Moore (below) — he was from my neck of the woods and the England captain.
What would you be if you weren’t a sportsman?
Probably a lorry driver. I got lucky with my football, even if it maybe affected my attendance at school while I was playing!
Career highlight?
There were so many: my debut for Arsenal back in 1983 — I slipped over and we conceded inside the first 10 minutes; the two Doubles; my England debut against Spain in 1987; the World Cups and European Championships. But winning the league at Anfield in 1989 stands out as the best.
...and the worst moment?
There have been many losses but I always stayed strong and learned from them. In the 1988 League Cup final against Luton, Nigel Winterburn had a penalty to put us 3-1 up with 10 minutes left. I glanced over, saw the trophy and was imagining lifting it. He missed and we went on to lose...
If your house was burning down, what one possession would you save?
As long as my family are safe, let it burn down! A house can be rebuilt.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Practise, practise, practise. That was from Terry Burton, now at West Brom. ‘Put the hours in,’ he said.
Favourite karaoke song?
‘Wild Thing’ by The Troggs is my party piece.
Last film you saw?
I enjoyed American Hustle, the one with Christian Bale and Jennifer Lawrence.
Last book you read?
It was by David Sedaris, the American comedian. I met him at the Cheltenham Festival last year.
favourite
Pre-match meal?
During the early years it was a sausage sandwich but when Arsene Wenger came along that was changed to chicken and pasta.
Can you cook? Best dish?
I’m useless, thankfully I married a great chef. I can manage pasta. Usually I just do the washing up.
Favourite holiday destination?
Azerbaijan, where I’ve been working for four years. It’s hard to describe — it has elements of Dubai, Moscow, Istanbul. Definitely worth a visit.
In a film of your life, who would you like to play you?
Liam Neeson. I can see the resemblance.
Tell us a secret...
I put all my medals in a safe in my house, then built a brick wall around it. Unfortunately, I then lost the keys so I can’t get at them!
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