Chillin with... No Messin talks to the stars
Colin Nell, one of the hottest football freestylers on the planet. Colin has appeared in many films, music videos for the likes of Timbaland, television adverts for Nike and Sky, and even doubled for Brazilian football stars Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos.
How did you get into freestyling?
I was close to making it as a professional footballer and realised that if I wasn't going to be the best then I needed to have a plan B. I wasn't that great at school so I worked really hard at my skills, practising four or five hours in the back garden every day.
What was your first big break?
Probably doing the film Goal, I did all the stunts including the overhead kick for Sanchi. It was wicked and I met some really cool people. It just spurred me on.
Do you get to go to many nice places?
Yeah, I am really lucky; I get to travel all over the world doing something I love. I was in Dubai and LA recently doing some work for a Hollywood producer on the new Adam Sandler movie. I am a west London boy and although it is good to see lots of different places I always miss home.
What do you do when you are not working?
I chill with my family and friends, spending time with my little niece and watching my beloved Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham Hotspur? I thought you were from west London...
Well, I wasn't going to support QPR or someone like Charlton!
What's this about the Timbaland video?
I got a call to go to Manchester to shoot a music video with him. It was crazy,
the track was called 'The way I are' and as you may know it went to number one
all over the world
Do you have to look after yourself?
Yeah of course, I have always kept myself fit and eaten properly but you just have to do things sensibly. If I have a drink, it's a couple, if I go out; it's when I don't have to get up early the next day. There is nothing wrong with enjoying yourself but you have to use your head and not be influenced by other people.
Do you think that people out there are trying to influence you sometimes?
Everyone does it, even if they don't mean any harm and just want to hang out when you can't be bothered. I make my own mind up and that's the way I always have been. I respect people but I don't let my friends get me into situations.
Is that why you got involved with the No Messin' campaign?
I grew up near a railway line and I know how dangerous it can be. I also know how stupid kids can be, especially when you are walking home in a group. We used to mess about but there is a line where having a laugh turns scary. I can have a laugh without risking my life or somebody else's.
Have you got a picture of you with anyone famous on your phone?
The Barcelona and Brazil player Ronaldinho, I met him doing a shoot for Nike and I had to get it.
Where can we see you next?
I will be doing the No Messin' tour with the crew from Network Rail, freestyling around the country.
Have you got a message for young people reading this?
Definitely; enjoy yourselves and have fun but make sensible decisions. Don't feel pressured into doing thing that you don't feel comfortable with. I come from the same place as you but I didn't give up, I wasn't clever at school but I found something that I was good at. You all have that in you, it's just about finding that thing.
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