Key career moments

What were your memories of sport at school?

“I was lucky at school, played a lot of sport, mostly football and cricket. The teachers at school were great. I also took advantage of the coaching at sports clubs outside of school.”

How have your family helped you in your career?

“My family have been a great help. My dad was a professional footballer (manager of West Ham Utd when I was growing up), my uncle is Harry Redknapp who is also included in football. My cousin Jamie Redknapp was a massive influence, really looked up to him from a young age.”

How did you cope with sporting set-backs at a young age and has this changed with your approach to a set-back now?

“Like any professional footballer I can look back at set-backs and realise its all part of pushing me to the top. I had quite a few, some upset me. I had great support from my family and coaches. Looking back, it makes you stronger.”

Best football moments and why?

“Scored 2 goals against Bolton in my first year with Chelsea. Chelsea won the premiership for the first time in 50 years. Scored a goal against Barcelona in the Champions League.”

When did you decide that you wanted to be a professional football player and when did you realise that it was possible?

“From a young age I was surrounded by football, at one point I had an idea to play cricket professionally. As my family have a history of football that was the way to go.”