20 questions for ... Swansea City's Ashley Williams

The top ten

How do you like to spend your time away from football?

I spend most time at home with the family. I’ve got two boys, one is 2½, and one is eight months, so I spend as much time as I can with them, doing the usual father things. The older one likes to play football with me – he went to his first Swansea game when he was four days old.

What other sports do you like?

My favourite sport to watch by far is basketball. I always try to record all the NBA games. Miami Heat are my team, and LeBron James is probably the best player in the league. I have been to Miami once and Orlando to watch the play-offs once our season is done.

What music do you listen to?

Anything really but probably more hip hop. I like Rick Ross, Jay Z. Most of Rick Ross’s music is quite aggressive which gets me in the mood before a game.

What’s your favourite TV show?

I have been watching Homeland on box set. It’s quite intriguing, so I am waiting for the third series now. Most of the lads are into it as well.

Favourite film? Film star? And if someone had to play you in a movie?

Hook, with Robin Williams as Peter Pan. I think my mum took me to the cinema to watch it when I was a little boy, and I have watched it hundreds of times since. My favourite actor is Denzel Washington – I would like to say he could play me but I think Will Smith would be better to play me because he is more geeky at times.

Favourite sportsman ever (apart from Muhammad Ali)?

Either LeBron James or, for different reasons, John Barnes. He was one of the main reasons I started playing football, and I always used to like to watch him play. I was a Liverpool fan growing up and even though I play nothing like John Barnes I was always a huge fan.

Favourite thing to read?

I get a bit of stick from the lads for reading books on the coach – I usually like war books or any kind of military books. I like reading about the SAS or the Navy Seals and their operations, but I don’t think I could hack it.

Best place to go out?

If I am going out clubbing I will probably go to London, and for food with friends and family I will go to Birmingham. Swansea is quite small so there are not many places to go.

What car do you drive?

Mercedes E63. It’s a four-door, AMG version. It’s pretty quick but it’s got seats in the back in case I have to put the kids’ seats in. My first car was a Peugeot 206.

What has been the most embarrassing moment of your career?

I have scored quite a few own goals and they’re never good but there was one against Derby County a few years ago when I scored from about 25 yards. It was a back-pass and for some reason the goalkeeper was on the side of the goal, and I thought he was on the other side, so I ended up rolling it back and he didn’t make it across the goal in time.

Home

Who is the biggest poser?

Chico Flores, he is always doing his hair. He has got a ponytail, and he’s always flicking it down and looking at it.

Worst clothes?

Leon Britton. He still wears Timberland boots and just gets it wrong.

Biggest headphones?

Me. Dr Dre have sent me quite a few of their beats headphones, and the last pair were huge.

Keenest in training/biggest health freak?

No one in particular, but probably Pablo Hernandez. He’s a very good runner.

Funniest player?

Chico Flores. He keeps the lads laughing all the time whether he’s meaning to be funny or not.

Away

Hardest player to play against?

Luis Suárez. He’s very aggressive in terms of the way he plays so he always keeps you on your toes.

The best ground you have played at?

Wembley. I was a ball boy at the old Wembley for an England game but I have played at the new one three times and it was great. The Metlife Arena in New York for Wales v Mexico was great as well.

Best goal scored?

I haven’t scored any spectacular goals but my first one in the Premier League against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was special for me.

Best goal you’ve ever seen scored?

In the semi-final of the Championship play-off three years ago and we were playing Nottingham Forest at home. They had a corner and the goalkeeper came up to try and score in the last few minutes, and the ball came out and Darren Pratley scored from inside our half. It was phenomenal.

Favourite player you’ve ever seen play? Why?

Probably Wayne Rooney. Whenever we play against him, I always think if I had him on my team I would be happy.