Mariam Mahmood | This and That Episode 10

It’s Mariam Mahmood’s turn to take on the This and That questions this time!

The forward talks about muddy park pitches, the way she organises her baked potato toppings, the proudest moment of her life, the best stadium she’s played at, the innocuous injury she once picked up and much more.

Sit back and enjoy episode number ten! Over to you, Maz…

Maz, to start, what’s your earliest memory of football please?

My earliest memory of football would have to be going and playing in the park with my dad, uncle and my cousins. It was such a muddy park! It used to rain so much, too!

What was the first football shirt you owned?

It was a Barcelona one that had Messi 10 on the back of it.

Who was your role model growing up and why?

I’d say it was my dad. He’s very hardworking. Even though he worked really hard, he always made time for me.

What’s your favourite meal to eat after a game?

It’s usually whatever my mom has decided to cook! I do, however, really like a jacket potato after a game. It has to have cheese and beans on it. I put cheese and beans on, and then I put more cheese on.

What’s the best goal you’ve ever scored?

You’ve put me on the spot there. I think it was in the academy and I was playing against Birmingham City. They had beaten us earlier on in the season that year, but then we played them at their place and we came back from 1-0 down to beat them 2-1. I scored the second goal and I think it was the occasion of the goal that made it so special. I was on the edge of the box, cut in and shot. Thankfully it went in. It was a great moment.

What’s the best stadium you’ve ever played at?

We played at St James’ Park against Newcastle United. That was really, really cool.

Who is your favourite band or artist?

I really like Lana Del Rey.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

To always enjoy whatever you do. If you don’t enjoy things, you’re not going to be fully motivated to put all your effort into something.

What was your favourite TV show to watch when you were growing up?

SpongeBob SquarePants. What a show.

Does chocolate belong in the fridge?

I’ll eat chocolate whether it’s been in the fridge or not. It really does not matter to me!

What would be your dream destination to visit on holiday?

I really want to go to Thailand. It looks amazing!

What is your job?

I’m a student at university at this moment in time.

Are you allowing pineapple on a pizza?

Yes. Yes I am.

What’s the proudest moment of your life so far?

Hmm. What is the proudest moment of my life? I don’t really know. That sounds really sad! I guess, I got called up to play for the national team for Pakistan. I haven’t played for them yet, but for them to call me up and to know about me from basically the other side of the globe fills me with pride.

Which celebrity would you choose to spend one day with if you had the chance?

This is another tough one. I think I’m going to say Angelina Jolie. I’m a really big fan of all her movies.

Do you believe in aliens?

Yep. There’s no way there’s no other form of life in the universe. We don’t know what is in space because we barely know what’s deep in the ocean.

Name one thing you think is overrated in life?

Overrated? Okay. Let me think. Do you have any examples of what others have said, perhaps? I don’t want to skip this one… I’VE GOT ONE! A Sunday roast dinner is overrated.

Do you have any quirky superstitions on a matchday?

I have to have the same breakfast before each game which is porridge and honey.

What’s the strangest way you’ve ever picked up an injury?

Literally rolling my ankle when I was walking. Nobody was around me, I just rolled it.

What’s something about social media that annoys you?

It’s all fake and some people hold fake expectations based on what they see on there.