MY FOOTBALL
JAMES ARTHUR
The X Factor graduate talks Gazza Burgers, McCoist nutmegs, Ronaldo’s invite and Scherzinger’s trophy query
MIDDLESBROUGH
What was the first game you ever attended?
Middlesbrough vs Inter in 1996. It was a pre-season friendly and I was in the North Stand, our hardcore stand at Boro. We’d just signed Fabrizio Ravanelli – I think that was his first game.
Do you have a matchday routine?
You get off the train and there’s a long walk past a few pubs and the Transporter Bridge. For the first games I went to, we’d go to the pubs by Ayresome Park – I think there was a pub called The Ayresome and we’d go there. I’d get to the ground pretty early, watch the teams warm up and buy a programme – I used to have a Gazza Burger or a Juninho Hot Dog. The Gazza Burger was pretty debaucherous: kebab meat, a couple of patties, all the sauces, onions. Basically, a kebab within a burger. Very Gazza!
“I GOT ON THE PITCH, HAD A LOOK LEFT AND REALISED I WAS IN MIDFIELD WITH BORO BOSS CHRIS WILDER”
Who was your childhood hero and did you ever meet them?