Goalkeeper DAVID SEAMAN was nicknamed ‘safe hands’ – but not on the road as he crashed an Aston Martin

David Seaman is considered one of England and Arsenal’s best goalkeepers.

He won three league titles, four FA Cups, one League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Nicknamed ‘Safe Hands’, 62-year-old Seaman played 75 times for England and was awarded the MBE in 1997.

She is married to professional skater Frankie (52), whom she met on Dancing On Ice. The couple live in Buckinghamshire and Seaman has four adult children.

What did your parents teach you about money?

They taught me that making money is hard. My mother worked in a bar and my father was a steel worker. I have memories of him running in his overalls and steel-toed boots to get to work on time.

My mother and father were young when they gave birth to me. We lived in a terraced house and had no indoor bathroom or toilet.

When I was 14 they bought a corner store selling fresh bread, sandwiches and groceries. By watching them, I realized that if you work hard you can get somewhere, and this was reflected in my football career.

Have you ever struggled to make a living?

Yes. I was an apprentice at Leeds and at 19 I was told I wasn’t good enough. I earned £12 a week and had free bus tickets and accommodation. £12 a week didn’t last long.

When I turned 17 I passed my driving test and was luckily given my dad’s old bum – but I withdrew more than £90 while messing around with it. I couldn’t sleep, I was worried about where I would find the money. This taught me a very important lesson; Always know what you’re spending and what’s in your bank account.

What was your biggest money mistake?

Buying an Aston Martin DB7. I bought one in 2000, it was brand new and I paid a lot of money. I was so proud, but after three months I fell head over heels; I lost the rear end, hit a curb and it rolled over. Luckily I wasn’t injured, but I was trapped inside the car.

My friend Lee Dixon opened the door and I cut my hand on a piece of broken glass on the floor. This will be the last car I buy brand new, considering how much value it loses as soon as it drives off the forecourt.

What’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought for fun?

Aston Martin. It was Sherwood green and had a soft top. This was my pride and joy. That always led to this because I love James Bond; This was something I always wanted.

When did you first feel rich?

When I looked at my house I thought: ‘Yes, I did a good job.’ Buying the Aston Martin was the pinnacle as it was an expensive toy. I worked really hard to get to that stage.

I joined Leeds at 16 but left at 19 and went to Peterborough United in the fourth division; It was slow progress.

Sports couple: David is married to Frankie, a professional skater

Have you ever been paid ridiculous amounts of money?

As a football player, you get ridiculous amounts of money, but this is what I do to earn my money. I call it crazy money, but that’s the way it goes.

Even in my time, I was lucky enough to get the highest wage as a goalkeeper. Other things I’ve done, like Dancing On Ice and Walkers crisps TV commercials, are also stupid money. The important thing is to have fun but get paid for it.

What’s the best financial decision you’ve ever made?

Getting a good financial advisor. I know there are players who did not take this advice and ended up losing large amounts of money.

What would be your best advice to young footballers or highly paid people?

Be aware of what you earn and spend. The information you gain as a young person with money is very important.

People will target you; Finding a good agent and financial advisor is very important.

Are you going to give away your money or spend it all?

I know the value of my money and it’s not just my money, it’s mine and Frankie’s money. We will continue to enjoy life and hope that the children will take care of us when the time comes!

Do you own any property?

We have a house in Buckinghamshire. I try to explain to my children that they need to climb the stairs as soon as possible.

While I was in Peterborough, I rented a house at a good price because the club had an agreement with the municipality. But I knew I wanted to move on and two years later I went to Birmingham. I first got on the housing ladder when I was 21 and playing there. Since then I’ve always had a home.

Do you have a pension?

The Professional Footballers’ Association has always recommended that players start paying pensions.

As a football player, you have the chance to receive your pension at the age of 35. I had the option of postponing this until retirement or taking a lump sum, so I did. I then reinvested based on the advice given to me.

What is your number one financial priority?

Now to ensure that my money takes care of me and that I can make money from my investments when I need it. Plus I still win different things that pop up like The Masked Singer.

Lately I’ve been doing a podcast too. All of this comes together. Make sure you keep an eye on your money because it will keep an eye on you later in life.

• David Seaman is leading a campaign to promote financial literacy with Starling Bank and Arsenal.