Graeme Le Saux English Athlete Quotations

So it was a hard decision but I know it is the right one.

I've had one very bad ankle injury but otherwise I've been incredibly lucky with my fitness. I've worked hard at it and I've always been fit even compared to other players. That sustains you through various parts of your career, but I am 36.

The first year I sold a photo to was a lady who thought I was a chef, for some reason. I've no idea why.

I was pleased that two very disparate photographs, two images that each worked in their own way had appealed enough to other people for them to buy them. I was also relieved they weren't the last ones purchased, and that they sold for a pound more than the frame was worth.

Sometimes I'll go by and there are a couple of swans, the next day it's a few ducks. I'd like to stop there every day for a year and capture how it changes, then put it all together to create an incredible image of a traditional English scene.

The reasons for calling it a day were more rational. As a footballer it is not just about the playing a match, that was the easy bit.

Your environment definitely plays a part in the things you enjoy and because mine was quite dramatic, I wanted to record my relationship with it.

I was 36, my contract was coming to an end and a series of persistent minor injuries were stopping me playing as regularly as I wanted to.