It is almost every young boy's dream as they're growing up to become a professional footballer. We switch on the TV most evenings to see the game played in all its glory by athletes at the top of their profession. We get absorbed in the speed and skill of the players. As we get older and have children of our own, most of us dream that one day it will be our own son strutting their stuff.
There are millions of things that need to click for a budding young footballer to make it all the way to the top. If it was easy to make it, it wouldn't be the great game that it is.
I often get asked for advice from aspiring young kids and their parents, but if I were to look back on my career and single out one thing that stood me in good stead, it would be the environment in which I grew up. Without that, I could never have become the player I was. Of course, there are many different pathways to the top and just because I made it doesn't mean that following my path to the letter is the only way to do it. I have, however, seen hundreds of players with huge potential drop out of the game for a variety of reasons.
I am one of five children. My brothers and sisters were all lightning fast. It is a genetic trait that courses through my family. I was born lucky in that respect. Sadly, muscle injuries are another family trait. My dad suffered from them as a player, and my brothers and I have been plagued by them too. It is bad luck in many ways, but some would say it is the price you pay for being quick.