TONY Adams has revealed he turned down Strictly Come Dancing six years ago as he thought it would ruin his chances as a football manager.
The Arsenal legend went on to manage a string of football teams after retiring from the pitch.
Tony Adams has been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing
The former Arsenal man won 66 caps for England
He admitted: “I still wanted to be a coach, which remains for me the best part of the football business.
“One of the main reasons I turned down chances to go on Strictly Come Dancing – despite the money on offer being good – was because I was concerned about not being taken seriously as a football coach after it.”
The formidable centre-back, who won 66 caps for England, is still the only player to captain a team to three top titles in three different decades.
Dad-of-six Adams said of the dance challenge: “To say I’m excited is an understatement.
“The lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for Strictly soft shoes. I can’t wait to meet my partner. God help her!”
Tony joins the other announced stars competing on the show including Will Mellor and Kym Marsh, who were the first contestants confirmed for the series.
Since then, Richie Anderson, Kaye Adams, Jayde Adams, Ellie Simmonds and Tyler West have also been revealed to be taking part.
Matt Goss, Molly Rainford, Fleur East and Ellie Taylor have also been revealed.
Ahead of the show, Loose Women’s Kaye may be on the back foot on Strictly already – as doctors have found she is nearly deaf in one ear.
The 59-year-old said she has recently undergone a series of tests ahead of appearing on the hit BBC dance show and has been told she needs help.
She confirmed her “hearing is an issue” and that “I probably should be thinking about getting hearing aids”.
All the previous winners of Strictly Come Dancing
