Wycombe Wanderers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa talks us through his football memories
First game you watched live? It’s going back some years now, but the first game I watched live was an Arsenal game at Highbury, as I went to Highbury Grove School. I can’t remember who they played, but the atmosphere was immense. I remember the Highbury pitch. It was small, but the ground was perfect. It was like they were playing on a carpet. I must have been about ten, just turned 11, and I knew then playing football was what I wanted to do when I grew up.
First football hero? John Barnes (pictured). I just thought he was something different at the time. I loved the way he played and dribbled. John Barnes was that guy, and he was at Liverpool, so that was the reason behind my love affair with the Reds. Out of everyone I’ve been able to meet, I still haven’t met John Barnes – yet.
First football boots? The first pair of boots I bought were Asics, but the first pair I actually wore were hand-me-downs. My brother used to wear Puma Kings and he gave them to me. They were black with a little blue stripe and I scored six goals on my debut with them. Good times!
First kit? The first kit I wore was, funnily enough, a Newcastle kit because the Sunday league team I was with played in Newcastle colours , for some reason, so that’s the first one I remember wearing. I was nine. I think I have a picture somewhere as well and I’m wearing shades on my head for some reason. I don’t know why. But I had a Liverpool jersey, as well, as they were my team growing up.
First professional game? My first professional game was in Lithuania for FK Atlantas and then my first professional game back over here was for Boston United. I remember being nervous and proud at the same time. In Lithuania I scored on my debut, which was nice, but the biggest thought was ‘I’ve made it as a professional’. I hadn’t made it where I wanted to be, but I wanted to be a professional and people were watching’.
First professional goal? Apart from the goal in Lithuania, back in England it was for Boston against Swindon. It was a cup game and I am sure I scored the winner and we beat them 2-1. It was years ago now, but it was a header – and I think the majority of my goals since then have been headers!
First red card? I got sent off two weeks ago, so I’ve been sent off a few times! My first sending off was for Doncaster Rovers against Bristol Rovers at their ground. It was for violent conduct, for starting a mass brawl. It was me and Kevin Austin who got sent off and then we ended up at Swansea City together the next season – so that was a good introduction!