What made you want to take part in the show this year?

I've been asked to come on a few times, I'm retired now and I thought the time was right. I have had a few health issues over the past few years, and I was working too hard. Recently I’ve decided to put my feet up and watch my kids grow up, I’m now free of addiction and I can do anything I want. So I have decided to learn a new skill, dancing! It looks like a fun show so I am looking forward to it.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge?

I had a knee replacement three years ago, and I dislocated my toe a few years ago. So I think some of the some of the physical stuff is going to be a bit tricky. Hopefully I can I can stay the course, but I think physically if could be difficult!

How do you feel about being Strictly-fied?

I played football for over three decades and I broke my nose five times in the first year of my career, it’s a very physical game. Then in 1998, I played with a player that did his hair before we went out The game had completely changed. That player was David Beckham. I said, “you’re going to be running around!” and he said, “still got to look good mate.” So look, if that’s what it takes, I am quite happy, I don’t really care what other people think about me, so I am up for a bit of a laugh!

Do you have any previous dance experience?

I've got none at all. I’d freestyle a bit at Ilford Palais in about 1981, but apart from that, I've got no previous experience of dancing.

Have you had any advice from anyone who has done the show before?

Well my old mate David Seaman didn't do this show, he did another one. But he said don't do it, ha! I've still done it though! He phoned me up afterwards and said “congratulations, you’re going to be brilliant and you're going to have a fantastic time.”

I'm amazed at the response from my friends and family to be honest with you. They all love it, I didn't realise how popular it is!

Who do you think is your biggest competition?

Even in my playing days at Arsenal, we never watched the opponents really, we concentrated on our own game and doing our best and the rest is history. We've always been like that, I think once you start getting obsessed with other people, you lose sight of your own game. It's really simple for me to just do my best and move on.

Do you have your eye on the Glitterball?

Of course, I've never been in any competition that I’ve not wanted to win it. I played backgammon with the wife, I’ve never beaten her and so I don't play with her anymore! After she won three games in a row, I said we’re not playing that anymore!

Do you have a signature dance move you always do at parties?

Does freestyle count? I sing Wild Thing and give a little bit of a spin, I don’t think it has a name. It’s a bit better than something Ricky Gervais in the Office would do.