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The former Leeds United skipper reveals all about cars, women, parties and John Fashanu.

What is your earliest sporting memory?

Putting on my first pair of boots as a nine-year-old, after a long time playing in bare feet! If I was sent to the shops, I would wear them. I would sometimes even wear them inside the house.

Which opponent did you really enjoy beating?

Well, obviously Man Utd! But back in South Africa, I played for Kaizer Chiefs and our great rivals are Orlando Pirates, which is a huge Soweto derby. The rivalry there was fierce - whoever won on the day were the kings of Soweto. We usually won, but one time they beat us 5-1, and it was like Christmas for them.

Where is the worst place you have ever played?

In the Premier League, I can tell you that Selhurst Park was the worst. Playing against Wimbledon there was always so hard. All of their players were so big, and they could not play football so everything was in the air, with lots of elbows and head clashes. I'm sure John Fashanu used to sharpen his elbows before games!

What's the best freebie that you've ever blagged?

I suppose the trips that I get to go on, to be an ambassador and a role model for good causes.

What was your first car?

I remember my momma telling me that football was not a good career because it was all about cars, women and parties - and then I bought a gold BMW 520i as my first car.

What do you have on your iPod?

The last thing I put on there was the latest album from Beyonce.

Do you have a culinary speciality?

I would cook pap (a kind of porridge) and boerewors (sauage) - I love a barbecue.

What really grinds your gears?

I don't like people who are ignorant, who have a closed mind and live in their own world.

What do you think you would have become if you hadn't been a footballer?

My momma wanted me to be a doctor. She sent me away to a homeland to get away from the violence in Soweto at the time. There, I went to the college of education, so I think I could have become a teacher.

What was your most extravagant purchase?

It was my 1967 Ford Mustang GT 500. That is my pride - it's a bad boy. I think there are only five in South Africa, and I have the only one that is in Johannesburg.

What song would you sing at karaoke?

Michael Jackson - Beat It. I can dance like he used to, I can moonwalk. (60 seconds calls his bluff) - Okay, okay, I am joking!

Tony Mabert / Eurosport