You were scouted to play professional football relatively late, at the age of 22. Do you think having to work a bit harder and longer for your shot made you appreciate it more?
Without a doubt. I was used to working on a building site from 7am to 8pm, so moving into a football environment, where we might work intensely from 10.30am to 12.30pm, I found it  comparatively easy to be very focused on the work and committed to making myself the best I could be.

You’re such a joyful presence on our screens. Do you have any particular philosophies or practices that keeps you balanced?

Never feel bad about being yourself. People can take it or leave it, but that’s who you are. I’m very fortunate to be doing something I genuinely love and am passionate about, so it’s pretty easy to be myself. If I can make people smile along the way, that’s a bonus.

When you were signed by Arsenal in 1991 (for a record fee) you got some heat for wearing a leather jacket and baseball cap, rather than a suit to the signing announcement. Was that outfit intentionally provocative or just what you wanted to wear that day?

It was just what I wanted to wear that day! I wasn’t doing it intentionally to upset anybody, but, moving to a club like Arsenal, they have certain protocols and are quite strict about those occasions.

You played for several clubs over the course of your career. Was it ever difficult having to shift your allegiances and recommit to a new club and its community?

No, not difficult at all. Because you’re playing for the fans and you owe it to them to give everything you’ve got. And I always did that so it wasn’t a problem for me.

What has kept you grounded over the years?
My wife. She’s a very calm, down to earth person who isn’t really impressed by the glitz and glamour.

There’s no easy way to get to the top of what you want to do. Hard work is the common theme in those that achieve success.

There has been progress. The mere fact that ladies can now play professionally is progress. But there is still a lot of work to be done — the facilities and amenities for women’s football are still far behind.

Thats why I’m so pleased that sponsors like Barclays have got involved, because they will back that league like they did with the Premier League, for as long as it takes for it to be a success. At the grassroots level, the aim is for all schools to give girls the option to play football in PE by the year 2024. So progress is happening, slowly but surely.

Firstly, comfort is important. I always wear clothes that make me feel good. It’s vitally important not to be affected by the judgement or criticism of others. Be bold and confident in your choices.

It’s difficult because my work is mostly on the weekends, so it’s more for my family to balance it. We sometimes have to spend a lot of time apart because of my schedule, so when we do get an opportunity to be together, we make the most of it.

South London, because that ‘s were I grew up. But I spend a lot of time in North West London now, because it’s where I work.

Confidence in yourself.