HE'S a Saints star and England international and he rubbed shoulders with budding footballers at a Southampton school.

Staff and pupils at Oasis Academy Mayfield were delighted to have the chance to grill Ryan Bertrand in a question and answer session.

Inquisitive students asked him questions ranging from his life outside football to career highlights and even who he thinks is the funniest Southampton FC player.

Despite professing a love for football and encouraging the aspiring players to give their all to the sport, he told the youngsters that he believes education is just as important as physical activity.

Bertrand said: "If I wasn't a footballer I would have liked to be a graphic designer.

"I used to really enjoy it."

Bertrand began his career at Chelsea before playing for clubs including Bournemouth, Reading and Aston Villa, eventually arriving in Southampton in 2014.

He said the highlight of his career was beating Bayern Munich to win the Champions League, and insisted his most important goal was in a 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers.

But outside of the game, he told the pupils he's a family man at heart.

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"I like spending time with my daughter to relax", he said.

Groups of youngsters in football kits waited to pose for pictures with Bertrand before he gave them some tips and tricks to try out on the pitch.

And afterwards the students tried their hand at computer games to try and win the chance to play against their hero.

Daniel House, curriculum leader of PE at the academy, said the event inspired excitement in the youngsters.

He said: "The students are getting to experiences all these different things throughout the day, the highlight being Ryan Bertrand coming in. They are absolutely buzzing.

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"The aim is to raise aspirations in the kids and they can talk to Ryan about where he's managed to go with his career.

"It's great, especially as he's an England international, and everyone is really excited to see him."