I HAVE BEEN extremely fortunate in that I had all of my grandparents up until two years ago, therefore I have many, many fond memories of them and they have been a big part of my life.
One thing that does make me smile about not just my grandparents but elderly people in general is how they always speak their minds and speak the truth – often at inappropriate times!
There was never any chance of me getting carried away with my footballing success, in particular with my granddad Alec. When coming off the pitch after a match the first things he would say to me was ‘You were bloody rubbish.’ At the time I though these were harsh words but on looking back, it was his way of keeping me grounded and striving to be better.
If I had to sum up in a short space what I remember most about my grandparents – it has to be that they were always the people who would let us have the things or do the things our parents said ‘no’ to: crisps, chocolates, television, late nights!
I feel blessed to have had such wonderful grandparents and am indebted to them for everything they ever gave me, taught me and the time they spent with me.
Phil Neville is a professional footballer who played for Manchester United until 2005 when he transferred to Everton, where he became captain. He also plays for the England team.