Allen on Istanbul, Spanish and risotto

For each Anfield clash, series of questions were put to each player to discover more about their careers and lives away from the pitch.

Over the next few weeks, Liverpoolfc.com will be reproducing those interviews for you to enjoy - and we continue the 'In My Life' series today with Joe Allen, who explains why he wishes he'd played in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul...

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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.

First team...

Tenby. They were my local team and I started out with them before joining Swansea at the age of nine.

First medal...

It would have been something with Tenby, I can't remember if it was a league or cup competition. I'm sure my parents have it somewhere. They keep all that kind of stuff.

Crying game...

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.

Idol...

I loved Zinedine Zidane. Any time his teams were playing on TV I tried to watch. He was amazing.

First love...

It was Swansea City because I played for them.

Favourite players now...

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 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.

Game I wish I'd played in...

I think the 2005 Champions League final would be the best choice. It will be remembered forever.

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. 

Future manager...

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. Who knows? I'd like to stay in the game but maybe not as a manager.

Alternative career...

It's difficult to say because I've always wanted to be a footballer. My granddad was a vet and I used to look up to him. So something like that would be good.

Mind your language...

I can speak Welsh. I did some Spanish and French in school but I've forgotten a lot of that. Now and again I try to throw the odd Spanish word or sentence in to 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.

Master chef...

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. 

What to watch...

I like going to the cinema and watching DVDs. But I can't remember the last time I watched a good movie. My favourite TV programme at the moment is Game of Thrones. I got in to 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.

Songbook...

I think my taste in music is different to a lot of the lads. They like to play dance or hip hop in the dressing-room before and after games. I'm not really in to that. I prefer bands like The Strokes.

What the papers say...

I don't read the paper every day. But if I do pick one up it's usually The Times.

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. I want to choose someone else but I can't.

Talk talk...

Jose loves to chat. You can always hear him in the dressing room.

Quiet man...

I don't think there is anyone in the squad who you would describe as very quiet. Everyone chips in to the conversation, which is obviously good.  With Wales, David Vaughan doesn't say too much.

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