The Way it Was

Stanley Matthews was the most popular footballer of his era, the man who epitomised a generation of legendary players. Now Sean Bean reads the remarkable story of his life.

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The first footballer ever to be knighted, the first European Footballer of the Year (at 41), and now an ambassador for football all over the world, Stanley Matthews is truly a sporting legend who will be forever remembered for his performance in the Matthews FA Cup Final of 1953, when he inspired Blackpool to victory over Bolton. But THE WAY IT WAS is not just the fascinating memoir of a great footballer, it is the story of an extraordinary life. Stanley recalls the time when as a member of the England team he had to give Hitler the Nazi salute, and when he swapped stories with Ronnie Biggs whilst in Brazil as a coach. Full of warmth and humour, this wonderful autobiography will be treasured by all generations of football-lovers.