PLAYERS’ FESTIVE TIME IS NOT FUN FILLED...

WHAT was Christmas like as a footballer? It’s a question I’ve been asked frequently since the boots were popped in the back of the wardrobe.

Not much fun, would be my honest answer. As a player, I fully understood the tradition of a busy festive period. In the years before I turned professional, I loved going to a game on Boxing or New Year’s Day.

In reality, when I was living it, I found it very difficult to enjoy myself. There were probably three or four hours after training on Christmas morning when I would switch off, open presents, try on my new socks, but very quickly my mind would shift to the game the following day.

On occasions, you would be at home for just a few hours before joining up with the squad at a hotel before an away fixture.

Aside from a plate of pasta, I tried to have a traditional day, but I was very conscious of not doing anything to excess.

I wouldn’t expect any sympathy. Those are the sacrifices you make to enjoy success in a very competitive field. I admit that, as a young man, I found it tough at times.

The memory of me chauffeuring my friends around on New Year’s Eve is still fresh in my mind.

Naturally, as a man in my late teens or early 20s, I felt some resentment towards those I was dropping off at the parties.

In those moments, I had to remind myself why I was doing it. I was a footballer, I was living out the childhood dreams of me and many others. I imagine a lot of my friends would happily have swapped places.

So what about now? Will it be lashings of trifle and booze-fuelled karaoke? Afraid not, I’m off to cover a game on Boxing Day – Tottenham v Southampton – and it’s an early kick off!