Prince William has confessed he "couldn't walk for a week" after some of his pre-Coronation football exploits.
The Prince of Wales admitted his struggle during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle where he presented ex-England striker Luther Blissett with an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).
The former footballer was recognised for his charity work and services to football, with William confiding in him that he still personally enjoys participating in an 11-a-side game.
After receiving his award, the ex Watford player shared what he and the heir to the throne talked about and how he gave him an invitation to play a game with him.
Blissett explained: "We had just a couple of little words. I did ask him if he would love to come and join us on the (Watford former) players club and he said yes, he would love to.
"He said he was playing (football) last week and he said he couldn’t walk for a week afterwards. He says he still plays 11-a-side."
The 65-year-old was one of the most prominent black English footballers during the 1970s and 80s and he was the first black footballer to score a hat-trick for England.
Blissett is now the patron of Sporting Memories, which is a UK registered social enterprise that uses the power of sport to help people with dementia, depression or loneliness unlock memories.
The ex player said he hopes his award will present him with opportunities to enable him to take his work with former football players further and they are also currently working with veterans.
William is known for being a keen football fan, supporting Aston Villa and is also president of the Football Association.
The Prince of Wales has frequently been spotted at Villa games in the past and also attended the 2015 FA Cup Final which they played in, revealing the origins of his connection to the club ahead of the game.
He told the BBC: "A long time ago at school I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run of the mill teams".
"I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa’s always had a great history."
William will be attending the Wembley match on Sunday for the women's FA Cup final which will be contested between Manchester United and Chelsea.
Once the game is over, the Prince will be presenting the winners with their trophy.
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