Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford MBE has announced detalls of his first foray into writing.
The 23-year-old from Wythenshawe will release ‘You Are A Champion’ with Macmillan Children's Books on May 27.
The book is described as being an inspirational guide for young people aged 10 and above and aims to develop positive thinking, build mental resilience and encourage dreaming big.
Written with journalist Carl Anka, the book will feature stories from Marcus’s own life alongside illustrations, infographics and tips from performance psychologist Katie Warriner.
“It’s hard to know what is possible until you start,” Marcus said of the importance in pursuing your goals.
“You have to be able to dream big and be prepared to work towards your dreams.
“Good things take time. I’ve achieved a lot, but it didn’t come in one go.
“Big things rarely happen overnight, and good things rarely happen as if by magic.
“But believe in you and success will happen. Trust me. Live the dream.”
The Manchester United star became a local hero to children and parents after he encouraged the government to U-turn on plans to scrap school meals over the summer holidays last year.
Rashford launched a campaign encouraging England's poorest families to be provided with food vouchers to support them through the lockdown.
In response to the campaign, the government announced a £120m 'Covid summer food fund' for 1.3 million pupils across England.
In November last year, the football star also launched his own bookclub to help promote reading and literacy among children from all backgrounds.
Announcing the Marcus Rashford Book Club, he spoke about his own experiences with reading.
“I only started reading at 17, and it completely changed my outlook and mentality,” the MBE star said.
“I just wish I was offered the opportunity to really engage with reading more as a child, but books were never a thing we could budget for as a family when we needed to put food on the table.
“There were times where the escapism of reading could have really helped me.
"I want this escapism for all children. Not just those that can afford it.”
Last weekend, a 3D mural appeared in Old Trafford depicting Marcus Rashford kicking down the door to No 10 Downing Street in reference to his free school meals campaign last year.
You can pre-order 'You Are A Champion’ here.
