Calum Chambers has been playing football for as long as he can remember.
From kicking a ball around his childhood home in Petersfield to learning his trade as a right winger in Southampton’s academy, the 22-year-old always dreamed of becoming a professional footballer.
Now with more than 100 top-flight appearances and an England cap behind him, Chambers’ dreams have become reality - and he is one step closer to replicating his childhood heroes’ careers.
“I looked up to David Beckham when I was a kid because I played right wing, so I looked up to the way he played and I liked his style,” the England international told the Arsenal Weekly podcast.
“I’d also have to say Ronaldinho because he’s an amazing player, a legend and the skills he used to do were just amazing to watch. I’d try them in the garden and I’d never pull them off, but it was still loads of fun.
“People I look up to now and respect now in other sports are people like Roger Federer. He’s a legend. The way he plays, the dedication he puts in, he’s just amazing to watch. In football, I’d also have to say Sergio Ramos.
“He’s captain of Real Madrid and Spain, I like his style of play, he uses the ball well and he’s also aggressive. Those are attributes I like to have and put in my game. Those are the people who I say are my sporting heroes and people I respect.
“I actually had the chance to meet David Beckham once. It was in London at an art gallery. It was all his pieces from the past, from the magazine front covers to the famous pictures that had been taken. I was there with a mate and we were looking around the place, and I actually got the chance to meet him.
“I had a chat with him which was pretty amazing to be honest. I was a bit starstruck and thinking of things to say. He’s a great guy and one of my sporting heroes growing up. It was amazing to see the impact and influence he’s had on people in and out of football.”
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