Newcastle and England striker Andy Carroll has thanked Fabio Capello for giving him valuable advice.
He has made the headlines for non-footballing reasons as well as work on the pitch this season, sparking Capello to take him to one side when the England squad came together.
Carroll has thanked the Italian for his advice, and admits it meant a lot coming from such an esteemed figure.
"The manager was really good, really helpful. He told me what to do and what not to do and how I need to live my life," he said in The Times.
"He said some things and I know I do need to listen and take them in. He did say a lot to me, which I understand.
"And, obviously, it means a lot when it's somebody like him telling me. He was just encouraging me to keep going."
Carroll has scored eight goals in 14 Premier League games for the Magpies this term and has made the famous number nine shirt his own.
He says it is an honour to follow in the stead of Alan Shearer, who he idolised as a youngster.
"Alan retired when I was coming through. I trained with him a few times and that was great, but getting the No 9 and knowing what he's done with it...it was all I've wanted, everything I've been aiming for. It's unbelievable."
Carroll also thanked manager Chris Hughton and team-mate Kevin Nolan for guiding him in the right direction during his first top-flight campaign
"I don't think I could have done it without them. Chris has stuck by me and so has Kev," he remarked.
"Chris has pulled me in and spoken to me, but he's kept me in the team.
"And I'm just there to score goals and show him my appreciation for keeping faith in me."
