Lee Sharpe: Ex-Manchester United and England Personality
Christopher KL Lau
Lee Sharpe has lived an amazing life and then some. From humble beginnings in the Midlands, his silky skills, talent and hard work took him on a spectacular rise to the pinnacle of the global game at Manchester United.
One moment he was plying his trade at Torquay and within a blink of an eye, he was taking the field with such players such as Bryan Robson. And more importantly, he was fitting right in and impressing both his peers and fans. As a Red Devil, he became a footballing icon and heartthrob and won a haul of trophies under the tutelage of the one and only Alex Ferguson.
After stints at Leeds, Samporia and Bradford City amongst others, his career has moved more towards the media side of football where he has often appeared as a pundit and expert in both England and overseas with Asia-Pacific (ESPN Star) and the Middle East (Abu Dhabi Sports Channel).
His amazing life journey, so well chronicled in his autobiography My Idea of Fun, has encompassed living every school boy's dream of top level football, reality TV, notable charity work and countless memories and experiences; Lee Sharpe has lived several lifetimes in one and maybe more than many could ever imagine.
In an exclusive interview with Soccerphile, the legendary Red Devil shared his memories of his early years at Manchester United, his current media work, the Premier League and how beating Barcelona served as a catalyst for ever greater success for the Red Devils.
1. When you first started at Torquay, did you ever imagine that you would one day, aged only 17, play for Manchester United along side Bryan Robson and eventually get capped by England?
Lee Sharpe: Well, when I first signed for Torquay, I had not long been let go by Birmingham City as a school boy and had been turned down by West Brom after a trial so I was just just happy to be in the game and have a job. The last thing on my mind was playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world alongside one of the best players the club has ever had and playing for my country!! I was still watching all that on TV!
2. You have won the Cup-Winners Cup, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield. Which of these trophies hold the greatest sense of achievement for you?
Lee Sharpe: The European Cup Winners Cup against Barcelona in Rotterdam was certainly one of the biggest and most important, first year back in Europe for English clubs after the 5 year ban and to go on and win it was amazing, it also gave the team confidence to then go on and win more trophies. The first Premier League title was special too, a 27-year wait and getting beaten to the title by Leeds the year before made it a massive test and one we came through successfully. After that, I think we thought we could win anything.
3. You have done and still do loads of media work in the Asia-Pacific (ESPN Star) and the Middle East (Abu Dhabi Sports Channel). Does it ever surprise you just how popular the Premier League is and where does the attraction come from?
Lee Sharpe: I think the premier league is the most exciting league in the world, I'm not sure it's technically the best but it's certainly the best to watch, every team has a chance of beating anyone, we have some special players and some fantastic grounds, add that to some of the most passionate fans on the planet and you have a recipe for success.
4. You arrived on the scene and established yourself at Manchester United before the 'Class of 1992'; was there always a sense that those players would go on and also achieve great things?
Lee Sharpe: The class of '92 were always going to be a special group of players, we, as first teamers all knew who they were as schoolboys and we all used to keep an eye on them in games when they were 16 year olds, it's a group of players that I don't think we'll ever see the likes of again coming through at the same time.
Thank You!
Photos by WOL Borthwick, Ann Kristine Sen, Christopher KL Lau
© Chris Lau & Soccerphile.com