Experienced Italian defender Angelo Ogbonna dips his hand into our collection of random questions and sees what comes up…
Which player did you pretend to be when you played football as a kid?
"I would pretend to be Lilian Thuram. He’s the reason I wear the No21 at West Ham United. He was one of my idols.
"He was playing for Parma at the time and they had a great team with Thuram, Fabio Cannavaro, Roberto Sensini, and Gianluigi Buffon was in goal as well. It was an incredible team."
Dogs or cats?
"A tough question. I would take both, to be honest. I love both. I love all animals. My kids are really big dog lovers, but I would happily have both. My family would love to have animals but you just know I would be the one who would end up looking after them."
How did you get your worst scar?
"I have a scar on my shoulder. I had a car accident years ago when I was living in Turin, and I nearly lost my life. Now I have a scar on my left shoulder."
Bucket hat or baseball cap?
"Baseball cap! Although I did have a bucket hat on during the UEFA Europa Conference League winners’ parade!"
Who is the most skilful player you have played with?
"I’ve been lucky to play with some really skilful players. The names that immediately come to mind are Dimitri Payet and Paul Pogba. For a central midfielder, Pogba is very skilful.
"Lucas Paquetá is on the list too. Sometimes, the things he does are just amazing. If I had to pick one though, I will say Payet."
Who is the best footballer of all time?
"Look, I know people are going to have their own opinions. But I grew up in an era with Lilian Thuram as my idol, and with Ronaldo O Fenômeno.
"Yes, we live in a world with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have dominated football, but for my generation, the best player has to be the original Ronaldo. R9. Ronaldo O Fenômeno."
What’s your favourite item of clothing and why?
"I like the classic look. There are a lot of styles but, in the end, you always come back to the classic look. Other fashions are in trend an then out, but the classic look will never die."
What is the best goal you have ever seen scored?
"There are so, so many I could talk about. I’ve seen lots of goals scored.
"I’ll go for one I watched, rather than actually being the match, and it’s the one which Zinedine Zidane scored for Real Madrid in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen. It was a left-footed volley and it was incredible.
"But there are so many goals too, even in my time with West Ham United in the Premier League. My answer would probably change every time you asked me this one."
What is your go to pre-match meal?
"It changes quite often. Sometimes, if we’re kicking off at certain times, it will just be a late breakfast. Other times, it will be quite light. But I always try and have pasta included, and then also some vegetables."
What does the first hour of your day look like?
"I’m very moody in the morning. I like mornings but, if you ask my missus, I’m moody and I don’t want to talk to anyone. I like to take my time in the mornings, drink a coffee, and maybe even have a walk if I can. I like to be relaxed in the mornings."
