Steven Gerrard: 'I love reading'

Footballer Steven Gerrard has revealed that he has a secret passion for classic novels.

The Liverpool midfielder confirmed that his love of literature was awakened after he studied John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men at school.

"Obviously football is my main passion, but I love reading. My favourite book is definitely Of Mice And Men," Gerrard is quoted by the Daily Star as saying.

"It is quite a sad story. I've read it so many times the book has almost fell apart. In school we watched the story on video, did a project on it and an exam on it. I got a C in my English GCSE because of that book."

He added: "English was definitely my favourite subject in school because I enjoyed creative writing. I wrote a great story in school about how one day I would win the World Cup. I liked messing about with words - it was good fun."

Gerrard was charged with assault and affray following a brawl at a bar in Southport in December.