What's in a name: Nabil El Zhar

Every home match Liverpool FC's official matchday programme ponders the question: 'What does a player's name say about their personality?'

It offers a quirky insight into life on and off the pitch with a whole host of random questions that inspire answers you won't find in your average football interview.

Here Nabil El Zhar discusses what films he likes, why Zizou is his hero and which stadium he dreams of playing at.

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N is for NEW KITS

What was the first shirt you bought when you were growing up as a child?
 
It must have been a Barcelona one. I liked the team in the mid-90s that was managed by Bobby Robson then Louis van Gaal.

A is for AFRICAN NATIONS CUP 

Why did Morocco not qualify?

I really don't know because our squad was good enough. It was a huge disappointment for everyone in the country. We didn't qualify for the World Cup as well and a lot more was expected of us under the new manager Roger Lemerre. He's been sacked as a result.

B is for BACK HOME

What do you miss most about France?

I am from Ales, which is in the south of France. So the weather is usually very good there. The lifestyle is very different too, although I like living in England. I am very close to my family and sometimes I miss them.

How often do you go back?
 
Not very often. I am settled in England and I have a lot of time after my career has finished to spend at home.

Is is for INSIDE MELWOOD

Who is the first and last player into training?

I'm rarely the first so I couldn't tell you who's in first. Probably whoever is injured because they need to spend more time in the gym. I am in the middle group - not too early and not too late. I could tell you the last but I don't want to get anybody into trouble. It's not me though. I'm just on time!

L is for LIGUE UN

Who did you think would win it this season?

I hoped it would be Girondins de Bordeaux. They won it last year after Lyon had dominated for so, so long. But Marseille are worthy champions.

E is for EVENINGS

DVD or cinema?

It depends. I like to chill at home usually, so I will say DVD.

What was the last film you watched?

Avatar. I know a lot of people are divided on whether it is good, but I really enjoyed it. The other film I liked recently was Mesrine. It's a French film in two parts but it was on in the cinemas over here as well.

L is for LEAGUE MEDALS

How many do you have?

The only one is the reserve league medal we won a few seasons ago. I am proud of it but I really would like to win more. It's on a mantelpiece in the house.

Z is for ZINEDINE ZIDANE

Is he a hero for all French footballers with North African heritage?

Simply, yes. He's the best footballer of the last 25-years and is an inspiration for many young players. He is from Algeria and has a similar background to a lot of Arabic people that live in France. He is definitely the best Arabic player of all time.

Have you met him?

I was due to play in a charity match a few years ago between two teams organised by Zidane and Ronaldo. It was in Morocco as well so it would have been a privilege. Unfortunately, I was really sick at the time and I couldn't go. The game was in Fes.

H is for HUMOUR

Who's the funniest player in the Liverpool squad?

Jermaine Pennant used to be before he left for Spain in terms of the way he acted. There are quite a few that make jokes - people like Pepe (Reina). He makes everyone laugh.

Do you like British comedy?

I haven't watched that much since I have been here, but when I was growing up in France, there was a lot of silent comedy on TV. So I watched a lot of Charlie Chaplain and Mr Bean.

A is for AWAY GAMES

Which stadiums in England or Europe would you like to play in?

I've been lucky to have already played in most of the ones in England, so I would have to say Barcelona, the Nou Camp.

R is for RECOGNITION

Do you get spotted in the street?

Sometimes. I don't go out in Liverpool very much at night, but when I do, sometimes fans will come and speak to me about football. People here are very nice and treat you with a lot of respect.

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