IN the latest episode of our Getting to Know series, Joe Rothwell sat down to answer some questions on his career and life away from football.
The midfielder shared his memories of life in the academy at Manchester United, reflected on back-to-back promotions with Southampton and Leeds, and revealed Lego helps him take his mind away from football. Here’s what he had to say..
What are your earliest memories of football?
It has to be going with my dad to watch my older brother play, I remember being on the side line and just kicking a ball around. I was probably four or five when I started playing, and then I got picked up when I was six, and then that is where it all began for me.
Coming through the Academy at Manchester United, what was that like?
It was really good, obviously when you are young and playing for someone like Manchester United it was like a dream come true. As you progress through the age groups it gets a bit more serious as you get older and when you get to an age where they are offering out the contracts that is when you start to take it serious. I was there for a long 15 years in the end before it got to a time when it was time for me to move on and forge my own career.
How big an influence was your family?
The biggest, my dad basically took me everywhere and travelled everywhere with me. He was my biggest influence on my career and to this day is still my biggest critic, but it is just how he will always be and I wouldn't want it any other way
What has been your proudest moment so far?
It was playing at Wembley, but obviously over the last couple of years I have had a couple of promotions so that has probably just topped it now, but I think last year’s one with Leeds was probably my proudest moment.
Those promotions with Southampton and Leeds, how special were those seasons for you?
They were brilliant. It is what you want, you want to win things as a footballer and the first one under Russell Martin at Southampton was brilliant and then to go to Leeds last year and do the full season there, those are moments that will live with me forever.
What do you like to do away from football?
If I am not spending time with my wife and kids, I play a lot of golf, or as much golf as I can and I am really into my Lego. I build a lot of Lego, especially last year when I was living on my own away from the family. It was just something I started a few years ago and it kind of takes me away from everything and I can be there for hours
What is your favourite TV series?
Entourage, is my favourite ever one, so I have watched that a few times, but it is always a go to when I want to watch something I can just go back and just rewatch it.
Watch the full series now on Rangers Official Youtube Channel.
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