Netflix, languages and hair colour: Unscripted questions with Ryan Babel
We spoke to former Liverpool winger and bubbly character Ryan Babel for a light-hearted chat on a host of different aspects to his life.
The current Ajax player, on loan from Galatasaray, tackled our list of obscure questions – ranging from football memories to the colour of his hair.
Enjoy his answers below...
What are you watching on TV at the moment?
I'm watching a series called Ozark on Netflix. We have a lot of time on our hands, so it's definitely watching a lot of series. I'm also into books. So I'm reading a lot of books in terms of real estate and investing, that's something that I try to be more knowledgeable of.
What's your most prized possession?
I would say my laptop. I have all kinds of secrets on my laptop!
Who's your best mate within football?
You know, I don't really have best mates in football. I always get along with everybody where I've played at. I'm very easy-going and I've met some great players and great people during my career. Football is a weird life. Today you're in the team and you build relationships with somebody. But then the next day you could be making a transfer to another team and a different country and you never see that person anymore. That's how it has always been for me personally. Build relationships during your time at a team and then when you should depart, you just sometimes connect through social media, follow each other on Instagram.
How many languages do you speak?
I would say Dutch, English, German, a little bit of Spanish and I understand a little bit of Turkish.
Twitter, Facebook or Instagram?
I really think Instagram is No.1.
How do you decide which colour to dye your hair?
To be honest, I've been very consistent with one colour, which is pink now. The season before it was red. I just purposefully have one colour in terms of branding-wise so that it's very recognisable. I don't have a different colour every other week.
Who's the best footballer you've played with?
I think I still have to give it to Steven Gerrard, 100 per cent.
And against?
That was definitely Maicon at the time when he was the right full-back at Inter Milan.
What are you eating on a cheat day?
On a cheat day I definitely eat fries in the evening. I don't have many cheat days but when I do I like fries.
What moment of your career do you replay in your head the most?
You have a lot of moments in your head. Mostly the moments where it didn't turn out to be how you wanted beforehand – whether it was a game that we lost or didn't play too well in or a game where you missed chances. Mostly it's those types of moments that always haunt you for a long period of time.
What's your favourite stadium to play in?
I think I have to give it to Anfield. There are a few great stadiums and those with connections and energy. Besiktas and Galatasaray are also very close, but I have to give it to Anfield.
Who's your biggest idol outside of football?
I would say Jay-Z.
And finally, what do you wear on your feet when you're inside your house?
In my house I walk on bare feet.