It was clearly a huge moment for one of our most famous sons, who does not think the title will change him.
“I cried when I first found out and possibly for a few months after it as well,” he added. “But this week has been really emotional. Being back in London and obviously in the lead-up to this day, it’s not been stressful. I’ve not been nervous, I’ve just been emotional – I get that from my mum!
“I think it’s because of the journey, I think it’s because it’s such a big moment for our family and it’s just so special.
“I’m not insisting but if they [the family] would like to call me Sir Dad, or Sir Son, they can… but no. It’s going to take some getting used to, people saying it, but it’s just a huge honour.
“It’s a huge honour to be at Windsor Castle, it’s a huge honour to receive this from His Majesty, the King, and it’s just, all round, a very special day for us.
I was just asked if I was relieved to get it, or I was proud. I’m just proud.
“I’m very proud to have had such a special honour given to me. I grew up in a very humble background in the East End of London, always wanting to be a professional footballer and now I’m stood here at Windsor Castle with the most important monarchy in the world and getting a knighthood. It doesn’t get much better.”
