Photograph by: Gallo Images
Credit: Lefty Shivambu

Are you body conscious?

Yes, every sportsman is.

What is a beautiful body to you?

A well-toned body, but more than that, it's the body of a person who feels comfortable in their skin. If you're comfortable with yourself, your body shape matters less.

What do you think of the trend towards size 0 in Hollywood?

There's a thin line between being thin and being slim. With the pressures of being in the public eye, people starve themselves and get too thin. That's obviously not good for their health. Hollywood should endorse all body types.

How do you stay mentally healthy?

I read as many motivational books as possible. I also meditate and do Bikram yoga in heated rooms to relax and recover after playing games. Going to gym is a waste of money and time.

What's the weirdest thing you've done to improve your health?

Nothing really. I'm lucky, what I do everyday keeps me in shape.

Have you ever had a serious medical scare?

I was badly injured five years ago in the first game of the season. I got kicked in the face and broke my nose.

How did it affect you?

The pain made me dizzy and I couldn't finish the game.

How do you relax?

I spend time with my family. I have a five-year-old boy and I love to play with him. We like to go on picnics. Spending time with my family helps normalise my life.

Do you have any tried-and-tested home remedies?

I discovered ginger, lemon and honey in Hong Kong. It helps me relax.

Do you have a fitness regime? What is it?

We train every day with the club from 9am to 12pm. I also do yoga, which helps me tone down after a game.

What is your favourite part of your body and why?

My brain. A lot of people underestimate footballers. They are under the misconception that sports people are dumb.

Do you believe in diets? What has worked for you?

Yes. A proper diet has helped me prolong my career. It's very important to eat healthily and carefully. The secret is in the way you prepare the food.

What's your favourite restaurant?

Auberge Michel.

Do you do drive through?

Not often. There are some healthy options though. Kids will always enjoy it, no matter what you say.

What's your hangover remedy?

Before I go to bed, I drink lots of water and I always wake up fine.

What's your guilty pleasure?

A glass of red wine once in a while.

If you could invent a cure for a body issue, what would you cure?

I would cure cancer. Last year, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Until then, I didn't know how tragic it was.

During treatment, she had to undergo radiation. It was so painful. After that, I read a lot of books about the disease by people like Lance Armstrong. Cancer is something you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. I now take part in campaigns that make people aware of cancer and how to prevent or treat the disease.