Le Tissier takes to the ice (From Daily Echo)

Saints legend Matt Le Tissier takes to the ice to launch new Decathlon sports store

7:45am Friday 7th December 2012 in News By Michael Carr, Reporter

HIS quick feet graced many a Premier League pitch but yesterday Matthew Le Tissier tested himself on a completely different surface – ice.

It was part of the launch of the new Decathlon sports store at West Quay Retail Park in Southampton.

The Saints legend and Olympic gold medallist and UK Decathlon ambassador Denise Lewis got their skates on at the temporary Decathlon-sponsored ice rink next to the Bargate. Hundreds of people watched as “Le God” showed off his unrefined ice-skating technique, with his family at his side.

Decathlon spokesman Jack Mansell said: “It’s great that we had Matt down here, but he is a much better footballer than he is ice-skater. It looked like he was hanging on for dear life at times.

“Matt is great at bringing the community of Southampton together, and that is part of what Decathlon stands for. By bringing him and Denise Lewis, one of our most decorated Olympians together on the ice, we hope that it will get people to participate in sport across the city.”

After his ordeal on the ice, Matt was relieved to be back on solid ground. He said: “It’s the first time I’ve ever put skates on – let’s just say I’m not a natural! “I certainly won’t be signing up for Dancing on Ice any time soon.”

The Decathlon store is located where the former JJB shop was, cost £500,000 and is the 14th in the UK and the first on the south coast.