You spent two years in your playing career at Charleroi. What was the best thing about Belgium?

I liked going into a different culture and it was a fantastic experience.

I wouldn’t have done it apart from the fact I had to retire over here.

It was a challenge being in a different lifestyle and how you dealt with being away from family and friends.

It was something I’d like every professional footballer to experience.

Did you learn the language?

No (laughs). There was an English lad there who was fluent in French and if I had a problem I went to him.

My wife was OK, she was a lot braver than me and I think the locals respected her for having a go.

I was probably a little bit too embarrassed and thought ‘maybe I’ll get this wrong’.

What do you do to relax away from football?

I don’t have a lot of time to be honest, but there are a couple of things.

Obviously my family are very important to me, my wife and my daughter.

When we go out for a meal I can switch off there, but I can get away from it all in the garden.

That gives me some time to think things through.

What’s the last film you saw at the cinema?

I honestly can’t remember.

It wasn’t so long ago, but I was probably sitting there looking at the screen, but thinking about other things.

I don’t really have the time to go to the cinema.

What do you listen to when you’re in the car?

I usually have talkSPORT on. In terms of music, I like Elvis and people like that.

How has that gone down in the changing room?

I haven’t told anyone, you’re the first to hear (laughs).

Other than football, which sport were you best at when you were growing up?

There’s only ever been one sport for me.

I like basketball, but along with my family, football has been my life.

Indian or Chinese?

I like both, even at the same time. It depends on how I’m feeling, but I enjoy both.

What’s your favourite cheese?

My favourite cheese? I don’t know, I like a cheeseboard after dinner, but there’s not one I particularly go for.