Steven Gerrard has revealed how the health obsessed lifestyle he experienced in Los Angeles led him to become involved in a Merseyside water business.
The former Liverpool FC captain, who now manages Rangers, is a brand ambassador for A chance conversation, an underground well and the shape of an angel - the remarkable story behind Steven Gerrard's Angel Revive water water.
The start-up was founded by Netherton man Mark Doyle, after his discovered a natural spring deep in West Lancashire.
Steven, who spent two seasons playing for LA Galaxy, has told how his time in California opened his eyes to the very latest trends in diet and fitness, including alkaline water.
Steven said to the ECHO : "Yes it was a bit of an eye opener over there in LA.
"You would go to the park and it would be packed with crowds exercising and playing different sports.
"And the healthy food offering was on a different level to back home. You are literally surrounded by juice bars and healthy food restaurants and take-aways. They are just so far ahead.
"And it was during my time in LA they I was introduced to alkaline water. Everyone seemed to be drinking it, due to the health benefits associated with alkaline.
"So when Mark told me he had discovered a spring that produced high alkaline water back here, I was interested. I knew how beneficial it was from my time in the states."
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Steven said that he did not want to be the kind of ex-footballer whose face was 'everywhere' and declined most commercial proposals.
He said: "I don't want to be in people's faces all the time. That is not me. But I am really comfortable with Angel Revive, in terms of the product, the team and Mark.
"Yes there a lot of people out there who want a piece of me, but I am happy with Angel.
"Hydration is a massive issue - people do not drink enough water. As a former professional footballer I know how important it is.
"I start the day with water but so many adults and schoolchildren just don't drink enough. And the great think about Angel Revive is the alkaline and high PH levels."
Steven said his new role with Angel Revive did not conflict with his role at Rangers.
He said: "It's good to have interests outside of the game, so there is no problem at all. At Rangers it's my job to win games and this is separate to that. The team at Angel Revive do all the hard work."
Mark Doyle, who now lives in Southport , discovered the natural spring while developing a plot of land deep in the Parbold area.
Mark, who owns a successful construction company, became obsessed with finding the natural well after hearing about it from a local farmer.
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When Mark finally dug down to the rock face of the spring, who found an angel like shape in the stone, which inspired the name of the company.
Steven said: "Mark built up King construction into a very successful business. He is a bit mad and I love his passion.
"So I am looking forward to working with him to build up the Angel Revive brand over the next few years. We can use the alkaline to create a broad range of products, from protein bars to shakes.
"So it's not just about the water. And we have recently completed a deal with WH Smiths, who are now stocking some of our water. They are the kind of retailer you want to be associated with and we we look forward to working with them."
