Do you remember getting your first shirts and first boots and it meaning quite a lot to you?

Yeah, not so much my first boots, but I do remember getting my first Feyenoord kits. I had Van Persie on the back and Dirk Kuyt on the back. I always loved it, that was kind of my birthday present. It was always quite special to get them. I am an adidas athlete now, but I’ve always played with adidas, because my Dad used to, so I got the tiny, little ones first. And I always wanted to have black boots. It was always really special to get these things.

Did you face any negativity, hurdles or barriers as you were trying to play football?

I think I’ve been quite lucky. Obviously Holland and women’s football is a good combination, so when I used to grow up I just used to play with the boys, and they fully excepted that. When we used to play against the other teams they’d say “oh it’s a girl, she can’t play”, but that’s probably all I had. My parents have been really supportive, as has everyone around me, and it’s really helped me to where I am right now.

Did you thrive in those games when you were younger, when people might have been doubting you?

Yeah, I loved it to be fair. I remember playing against FC Groningen, which is another big team in Holland, and the boys were just laughing, but in the end we won the game 7-5 I think, and I scored five of the goals. I loved it, changing their mind, and after that they knew who I was and they respected me.

You've won the Euros, played in a World Cup Final, won the Player of the Year award, top scorer for your country, played in the Netherlands, Germany and England and you’ve also brought out a series of children’s books. How are you still only 23?

I don’t feel 23, I feel a lot older!

But how have you fit it all in?

I think I’m quite lucky. It’s my ninth season at the highest level already. Three years in Holland, Three in Germany, and this is my third year here now. It’s been going really fast and quick, but I’m happy with what I’ve achieved.