In the next of a new-style interview where we ask players to make selections based on their past, their recent choices and what crops up time and time again, Kurt Zouma tells us about his childhood movie favourites, playing games on his old Nokia device and his love for chicken.
First: What was the first football kit you ever wore?
It was probably the France shirt. I can’t remember which year because it’s so far away now but it was probably that one or the Marseille kit.
Last: What was the last time you wore a football shirt of a team you weren’t playing for?
Back when I was in France, I played for Saint-Etienne and I got a Sochaux shirt from my brother, who played for them. We played each other in a game and swapped shirts afterwards. I just kept wearing it a lot.
Always: What is the best old football shirt you have kept?
In my mum’s house I have my first shirt as a Chelsea player on the wall and also my shirt from the first game I played for Saint-Etienne. Every game when I play in a final, I keep those shirts as well.
First: What was the first thing you ate or drunk this morning?
I drink water as soon as I wake up and I ate cereal at home.
Last: What is the last thing you normally consume before bed?
Water, always water. You need fluids.
Always: What do you reckon you eat most during the week?
Chicken! Lots and lots of chicken – I’m a chicken man!
First: What was the first movie you really liked growing up?
The Rush Hour movies with Jackie Chan – all of them. I’m a big fan.
Last: What was the last film or TV programme you watched?
Top Boy on Netflix. I haven’t finished it yet but I’m watching it right now.
Always: What have you watched most often in your life?
The Fast and Furious films. There’s a lot of them but I’ve watched them all many times.
First: Where did you go on your holidays when a child?
I went to Switzerland with my family, that’s the only place we went.
Last: What is the most recent place you have visited for a break?
Dubai in the summer. I’m a big fan of Dubai – it’s much warmer than Switzerland!
Always: Where do you go to most often?
I go back to France to see my family or to Dubai.
First: Can you remember the first phone you owned?
I don’t remember the model but I think it was a Nokia. It was one of the flip phones. I got it when I was maybe 14 and it was a solid phone. The games were very good, especially Snake!
Last: What was the last app you installed on your current phone?
It was InStat, an app we have where you can watch your clips from games.
Always: What do you spend most time on your phone doing?
I don’t use my phone really a lot. Just texting and using WhatsApp.
First: When was the first time you learned English?
In school when I was about 13. ‘Where is Brian? Brian is in the kitchen.’ That’s what we used to learn. It was crazy for me because I couldn’t understand. It was hard.
Last: What was the last new English word or phrase you learned?
Because I’m watching Top Boy, I hear a lot of ‘innit’. I knew it but they say it a lot in that show. There’s no meaning to it, I don’t think.
Always: What part of English can you never get the hang of?
To be fair, no. At the moment I think I’m good.
First: What was the first video game you bought?
It was PES, the first one – a good football game.
Last: What was the last video game you played?
Call of Duty, the new one. It’s nice.
Always: Who do you play with?
I play online with friends and my brothers as well. In some games like FIFA you can play against people you don’t know so I do that to see how good I am.
First: Did you pass your driving test first time?
No, second time. I failed the first time but it was a disgrace! I wanted to go backwards but I saw a guy coming so I went to press the brake but the instructor did it before me. In France, if the tutor has to press the brake then you fail straightaway and he just beat me to it! I had been driving very good but I think maybe the guy didn’t like me or something.
Last: When was the last time you used public transport?
I would say a couple of months ago because I wanted to go to Euston train station to get to Manchester. I had to take the tube because the traffic was so bad and I was going to miss my train. It was quite fun!
Always: What is the music you always listen to in the car?
Different kinds of music – French rap, hip-hop, Chris Brown, RnB so a real mix.