Cobblers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa appears in the latest edition of men’s magazine Zoo where he talks about being the world’s strongest footballer.
The ‘Beast Mode’ star answered questions about his cult status at Northampton Town and in the Football League.
A couple of questions Akinfenwa answered are below.
The full interview is available in this week’s magazine.
Interview by James Wallis, photos by Lee Goldup.
Hi, Bayo. Why are you regarded as a Football League cult hero?
“I’m a 16-stone footballer who’s bigger than the norm, so it’s fair to say I stand out when I am on the football pitch, for my size as well as my ability.
“On FIFA 13, I’m rated as the strongest player in the world, and I think I am, too.
“I can bench press 175kg. But it’s mad; no matter where I go, I get a bit of stick about my size, but I also get a lot of love from the crowd, which I appreciate.
“Strangely, I bumped into EastEnders’ Ian Beale the other day and he told me he’s a big fan.
“I can now retire a happy man.”
Could you hack it in the Premier League?
“Definitely. I think I’m a similar player to Didier Drogba.
“I haven’t moved to a higher league because there’s a perception of what a footballer should look like and I don’t fit the mold.
“I’m not trying to be arrogant, but I’ve scored more than 150 goals in 300 starts.
“Ask defenders or opposition managers, they will tell you I am the real deal.”
Are there any Premier League players in particular you’d like to face?
“I would love to smash John Terry. I would also love to show players like Nemanja Vidic what it’s like to go up against me in full-on Beast Mode.”
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