‘MOMENTS I'LL NEVER FORGET'

Michael Kiwanuka on his love for Spurs

For Gaye, Mayfield and Wonder, read Klinsmann, Sheringham and Armstrong.

Michael Kiwanuka may have been compared to these musical legends in recent weeks following the release of his third album, ‘Kiwanuka’, but it’s Spurs greats he’s interested in right now.

Born in Muswell Hill, N10, Michael had an early choice – and the W3 bus won…

“Muswell Hill is slap bang in the middle of Spurs and Arsenal territory,” he explained. “You could get the W7 bus to the old Highbury or walk down to Ally Pally and get the W3 to White Hart Lane. I picked Spurs.

“My brother, Robert, he’s actually an Arsenal fan, but he’s a good guy! My friend Johnny was a Spurs fan. We still watch games together now. I loved Spurs, loved Klinsmann, Sheringham, Armstrong and that was it, really. My team!

“My first game was at White Hart Lane, myself and Johnny. I was about 10. We played Everton. I’ve still got the programme at home.

“I remember that first game. I was in Paxton Road. I remember I walked up the stairs, closed my eyes and then opened them as I got into the stadium bowl. I couldn’t believe the size of the place. I’d only seen it before on TV.

“The players looked tiny because we were high up. I just felt that rush of excitement. The first time you go somewhere with so many people who share the same passion, the same love, there is still something about that which really excites me. I still get goosebumps.

“It happened again when I first went to the new stadium against City in the Champions League, the 1-0 win in April. The atmosphere that night was amazing.