Remember Aaron Eccleston? It’s hard to forget a guy that got a red card for not removing a piercing not even his mother knew about.

In the whirlwind of his worldwide popularity, he agreed to do a virtual interview with us! He’s got an infectious sense of positive thinking and a great sense of humour. Thank you so much again, Aaron!

Q: How long have you been playing football?

A: I have been playing football since I was about 5, so 23 years now! (that makes me feel a little old!). I have played for numerous teams around the world and was fortunate to represent the British Forces against teams abroad, including a game against the Montserrat national team, in which we won and I scored twice. So technically I have played international football!

Q: The ladies want to know: Single? Married?

A: Single!

Q: So, was there any lasting damage from the hit?

A: There was no lasting damage! Any man could appreciate the pain with or without a piercing! I was just a little worried…. just in case!

Q: Do you think the rules should be changed regarding piercings? Do you feel that a body piercing that is non visible is a danger to anyone, not just an intimate one?

A: Rules are rules, and the safety of players is paramount. But there also needs to be a little common sense incorporated into the rules. My piercing is covered by 3 layers of clothing and is not going to cause harm to anyone. The ref should have covered his back and told me to take it out and taken my word for it. If it later caused me damage then its entirely my responsibility (not that it would be anyone else’s fault other than my own). A red card was a bit harsh!

Q: Are there any other rules in soccer that you think make no sense regarding fashion and why? (Iran woman’s team headscarves comes to mind)

A: I think all coloured boots should be banned! I am a firm believer in traditional black boots and will not be swayed by all these fancy colours! If you can pull them off, then fair enough, but amateur footballers just look like prima donnas!

I remember Sepp Blatter (complete idiot), saying that women should play in tight shorts and tops! A little sexist but probably the best idea he has had regarding his disgusting presidency of FIFA! (joke)

Head scarves should definitely be banned! Its not dictated by their religion that they have to wear them – but that’s merely my personal view.

I think the most radical thing to have happened in recent times was probably not allowing Cameroon to play with no sleeves in the 2002 World Cup!

Q: Have any other piercings that you wouldn’t want your mom to know about?

A: Haha! No! I never actually wanted it done! It all stemmed from a bet made when I was serving in the British Forces – ironically over the outcome of the 2003 FA Cup final! Needless to say I lost. Me and another guy who lost the bet went straight to the Tattoo parlour (in Key West, Florida) to get it done, however after seeing the pain he went through I bottled it! I then went through 9 years of grief from the boys for not going through with it! Even when I left the forces to go to university I toyed with the idea and always knew eventually I would have to get it done. I had a leaving do the weekend before I moved to Australia and the bet was finally called in! It hurt!

Moral of the story, do not make silly bets!

Q: Did you think that this would garner you attention from across the globe?

A: Definitely not! I think it has been in most newspapers around the world! The YouTube video was one of the most watched last week which is incredible and has clocked nearly a million hits! Crazy!

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Thanks again to Aaron for the interview and photographs! You can follow him on Twitter @aaron_eccleston.