'I always tried to watch Zidane'
Liverpool schemer Joe Allen has revealed that the 'amazing' Zinedine Zidane was his football idol.
The 22-year-old explained that he would watch as many games featuring the Frenchman as possible on television, and named the 2005 Champions League final as the match he wishes he'd played in.
Read on for the full Q&A from the latest official LFC matchday programme.
Your first boots?
I remember having a pair of blue Arrow boots when I was very young, probably around the age of seven or eight. I think they were the first ever boots I had. I really wanted them.
Your first team?
Tenby. They were my local team and I started with them before joining Swansea at the age of nine.
Your first medal?
It would've been something with Tenby. I can't remember if it was a league or cup. I'm sure my parents have it somewhere. They keep all that kind of stuff.
Did you ever cry?
There were a few times that I cried as a kid - I was quite stroppy when I was younger! I don't think it was anything major that caused me to cry, just losing a game.
Your idol?
I loved Zinedine Zidane. Any time his teams were playing on TV I tried to watch. He was amazing.
Your first love?
I would have to say it was Swansea City because I joined them and went on to play for them in the first team.
Your favourite players in today's game?
It's probably a standard answer from a lot of people, but I'd have to go for either Xavi or Iniesta. They are the best at what they do.
Best game you've been to?
Swansea getting to the League One play-off final in 2006 was a big occasion. But it wasn't the best day because they lost. I'd have to say Wales beating Italy at the Millennium Stadium was special. Craig Bellamy scored. I've been to some good rugby union games too.
The match you wish you'd played in?
I think the 2005 Champions League final would be the best choice. It will be remembered forever.
Your funniest moment?
I didn't witness it but apparently on a Welsh international get-together Dean Saunders was taking penalties while John Toshack was standing near the goal. Dean completely missed the target and whacked Tosh on the head.
Will you become a manager in the future?
To be perfectly honest I'm not sure I'd want the stress. It's difficult to say because when you play football you just think you'll be involved in it forever. I'd like to stay in the game but maybe not as a manager.
Did you have an alternative career?
I always wanted to be a footballer. But my granddad was a vet so maybe something like that.
Can you speak any other languages?
I can speak Welsh. I did some Spanish and French in school but I've forgotten a lot. Now and again I try to throw the odd Spanish word or sentence into the conversation in the dressing room, but it's not very good. Among the squad the lads can speak a few different languages but everyone tries to speak English for the majority of the time.
Can you cook?
I wouldn't say I'm a great cook but I have a go. I get the Jamie Oliver books out occasionally. My speciality? Probably a risotto.
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What do you like to watch?
I like going to the cinema and watching DVDs. My favourite TV programme at the moment is Game of Thrones. I got into it recently and it's very good. The worst TV programme has to be Mrs Brown's Boys on BBC. I really don't get it.
What do you hear in the dressing room?
The lads like to play dance or hip-hop in the dressing room. I'm not really into that. I prefer bands like The Strokes.
What paper do you read?
If I do pick one up it's usually The Times.
Which player has the best fashion sense?
Glen Johnson dresses well. I'd like to give Jose Enrique a break from the stick. He's had plenty of it this season.
Who talks the most?
Jose loves to chat. You can always hear him.
Who's the quiet man?
I don't think there is anyone in the squad who you'd describe as quiet. With Wales, David Vaughan doesn't say much.