With the Reds v Blues Love Football Play Football kicking off on Friday, Fabrice Muamba has been talking about his passion for the game and encouraging people across the country to join the action.
Muamba, who will captain the red team on the day, says the feeling of running around with a ball at your feet is something that cannot be bettered.
Over the Reds v Blues weekend of football celebration, people around the country will enjoy a kickabout in their garden, local park or grassroots pitch.
Fabrice is urging people of all ages to get outside on 7 June to enjoy playing the nation's favourite game and create some unique memories.
Reds v Blues matches will take place across the country on 7 June
“My earliest memories of playing were those feelings you get as a kid – scoring goals, getting a new pair of boots, having a new ball to kick around.
"That feeling is just priceless – being able to go out and play with your mates in the park for hours at a time until there is no daylight left. Those feelings will remain with me for the rest of my life.
“Football is a game where you create memories that live with you forever. Regardless if you win or lose you remember those feelings of playing the game with your mates, running around kicking a ball, of doing a new trick or scoring a great goal.”
For Fabrice, his career as a professional was cut short but he fondly remembers the experiences of playing for England Under-21s, Arsenal, Birmingham City and Bolton Wanders.
“When I was at Arsenal as a youngster I remember the coaches really believed in me and it was them that gave me the chance and the opportunity to take it to the next level.
"That was definitely the start of my journey into professional football.
“My earliest memories of playing were those feelings you get as a kid – scoring goals, getting a new pair of boots, having a new ball to kick around”
Fabrice Muamba
“Being a professional player was amazing because of the banter with your teammates, the atmosphere in the grounds on match day, the feelings you get from winning and losing. You can’t buy those feelings or experiences, it’s truly priceless.”
As an aspiring central midfielder at Arsenal, there was only one role model for Fabrice as a youngster.
“Patrick Vieira was my hero growing up.
"He was a great player and definitely someone I modelled my game on. He was at Arsenal at the same time as me so I was able to learn a lot from him, even watching him in training you could pick things up and improve your game.”
For more details about the Reds v Blues day of football celebration, visit TheFA.com/lovefootball
