Speaking to the Official Matchday Programme, Alphonse Areola is the latest Hammer to try his luck with the random question generator…
What is the worst thing about being a footballer?
I’ve never thought about that before, because being a footballer and doing what you love for a living is a privilege. I guess I’d say the worst thing is the sacrifices you have to make – being away from your family and missing events like weddings and birthdays.
Which teammate has the worst dress sense?
That’s tough, because most of the time when I see the guys at the training ground we’re all wearing tracksuits. I’ll say Tomáš Souček, because the tracksuits he chooses to wear aren’t always the best.
Wow, that’s a good one! I’ve always loved superheroes! I’ll say Spiderman, because I had him on one of my cars when I was younger. I like Batman as well, but people used to call me Spiderman around the time I was at Lens, because of what I was like in goal.
What has been your best moment in football so far?
There have been a few I could pick from. Being part of the France squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup was unforgettable. I saw the national team win it when I first started watching football in 1998, so to help them do it again 20 years later was amazing. Winning the UEFA Europa Conference League was incredible, and also signing my first professional contract with Paris Saint-Germain has to be up there. I was only 16, and that’s where everything started!
What is your favourite cheat meal?
I like Jollibee, but it has to be a McDonald’s! If I’m having it, I have to go all out – I’d order a large Big Mac meal with a Chicken Mayo, and a box of nine nuggets as well!
Pablo Fornals’ goal against AZ Alkmaar in the 2022/23 season was an amazing moment. It was a tight game and he scored perfectly at the end. It meant the dream was still alive, and we all went crazy.
What is the best thing about living around London?
I like it here because when people recognise you there’s a good barrier of respect. People ask for photos and autographs in a nice way, and I love meeting the fans. In France, things were sometimes a bit intense.
What is your favourite tourist attraction in London?
My wife and I loved the Harry Potter Studio Tour. I know it’s a bit out of London, but we can make that count!
It has to be Zinedine Zidane. He was the star for France when I started watching football, and he’s always been my idol. I had the chance to play under him at Real Madrid, and when he called me I recognised his voice straightaway. To be trained by him was a dream, and he was even better than I could have imagined.
What is your favourite film ever?
That’s easy – Gladiator! I like it because of the way he fights at the end, despite everything. I think the film portrays a really strong message about how you should approach things in life.