Curtis Woodhouse has said that he once dreamt of playing for Liverpool and England.
The now 36-year-old began his career at Sheffield United before moving to Birmingham City for £1m in 2001. He would thenmove around several lower league clubs before calling it quits.
He also represented England at Under-21 level, however, he became disenchanted with football and took up a career as a professional boxer as he had a penchant for getting involved in street fights.
Woodhouse has been boxing for the past 10 years, but has revealed that it was his dream to emulate his hero John Barnes and play for Liverpool whilst growing up.
I never dreamed of being anything other than John Barnes and playing for Liverpool and England,� he said toThe Telegraph.
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I was always naturally good at football. Obviously I had to work hard to get to the level I got to, but it wasn't something that was ever a struggle for me, until it became my job. Once that happened, I lost a lot love for the game.
Also, as my performances were dipping because of ill discipline off the pitch, I lost a lot of respect for myself. I was angry and disappointed in what I had become, which was basically someone who had wasted their talent and opportunities.�