What is the best stadium you’ve played in?
It’s hard to look beyond Anfield. I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but on a European night it’s a special, special occasion.
As a ‘home’ ground that’s right up there, but over the course of my career playing on some of the big Champions League nights, the San Siro was a highlight.
I remember getting the winner for Tottenham there against AC Milan. Having watched Gazzetta Football Italia with James Richardson when Gazza went over there, I just loved Italian football.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAo7TrQ0aXw
So for me to score in that stadium all those years on was special. That was great for me personally, but it wasn’t just that, it was the whole atmosphere.
I remember playing Inter and my gran had come over. Her, my mum and my cousin.
I remember looking up to the stands and seeing the ultras bouncing up and down and thinking ‘my nan’s in there!’
It’s an amazing stadium and a great atmosphere on those European nights. Out of all of them it’s definitely Anfield, but away from home the San Siro was special.
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Did you really answer ‘a virgin’ when asked what you would be if not a footballer?
Yes! I said ‘a virgin’ and get reminded of it all the time. It was a long time ago, and I’d like to think I’d have some options!
It was at the end of a long day of interviews. It got to the stage where I was just answering the same questions.
I’d had this one before, and I was just trying to spice it up and say different things. It’s weird I’m still answering questions about it now, but people seem to really enjoy the answer.
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Where you good at any other sports growing up?
When I was a kid football and tennis were my two sports. I played tennis to a decent level and it got to the stage where I was playing for my county and I was training almost as much as I was at football when I was at Tottenham in the youth ranks.
I’d like to have seen how far I got, but obviously I chose the football route and it’s the best decision I ever made.
Now I’ve retired I’ve taken up golf and love it. I have to say it didn’t come naturally to me – what a frustrating game! But it’s one of those things I really want to master.
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More from Crouchie…
My goal drought during my early days at Liverpool was a nightmare.
The pressure was growing and growing, but I’ll never forget the support the fans gave me and the incredible atmosphere after my first goal at Anfield.
Read the full story of Crouchie’s worst career moment here: Peter Crouch: I’ll never forget Liverpool fans for support during nightmare goal drought
I’ve been asked if players read transfer news and worry about their place in the team.
Yes, it does happen, and often when you confront the manager about it, they’ll lie to you about it!
Read the full story of Crouchie’s take on transfer gossip here: Peter Crouch: Players get nervous about transfer rumours – and managers will lie to you about it!
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More recommended reading:
- Premier League conference call HACKED: What every team would have said in crunch meeting
- Six footballers who turned their hand to another sport
- Five things Max Allegri needs to prepare for before move to Newcastle