He’s been one of England’s standout performers with his marauding runs, but Luke Shaw’s former teacher revealed her “surfer dude” student was equally impressive in her English literature class.
The 25-year-old from Kingston has earned comparisons with the legendary Brazilian left back Roberto Carlos and the nickname “Shawberto Carlos”.
Suzanne Darby was the Manchester United back’s English teacher at Rydens Enterprise Academy in Hersham.
She said: “He was lovely, very popular, happy and positive. Football always came first for him but he was pretty good at English literature. We read texts including Steinbeck’s Of Mice And Men and he was good.”
But Mrs Darby said that it was clear from an early age that he was destined for a career in football.
The player was brought through Southampton’s youth system and played for the club at senior level before he moved to United in 2014 aged 18 for £30million — at that time a world record fee for a teenager.
She said: “He was determined to be a professional. He didn’t let it go to his head though. He was very grounded and got on with everyone. His family were lovely and were so supportive of his career in football but his academic standards didn’t slip.”
Mrs Darby said seeing him in an England shirt reminds her of his schooldays.
“It’s about the way he stands. When he’s on the pitch I’m transported back to him in the playground playing football,” she said.