29 Facts About Wayne Bridge

Wayne Bridge retired in 2014 following a season with Reading.

Wayne Bridge made 36 appearances for the England national team between 2002 and 2009, being selected for two FIFA World Cup squads and UEFA Euro 2004.

Wayne Bridge was born in Southampton, but moved to Olivers Battery, Winchester, at an early age.

Wayne Bridge attended Oliver's Battery Primary and Kings' School, Winchester.

Wayne Bridge made his reserve team debut as a centre-forward against Portsmouth on 13 August 1997 and turned professional in January 1998.

Wayne Bridge made his first-team debut on 16 August 1998 coming on as a replacement for John Beresford, who had badly damaged his knee.

Wayne Bridge completed his first season as a first-team player with 15 starts and eight substitute appearances.

Wayne Bridge's run started on 4 March 2000, from when Bridge played 10,160 consecutive minutes of Premier League football, not missing any play through injury or suspension.

Wayne Bridge scored the winning goal in the 88th minute to send Chelsea into the semi-finals and end an 18-game winless run against Arsenal.

Chelsea went on to win the Premier League in his absence but Wayne Bridge had already made enough appearances to receive a winners' medal.

Wayne Bridge only made two appearances for Chelsea that season, both in domestic cup games.

Chelsea won the Premier League again, but Wayne Bridge was not eligible for a medal this time as he had not made a single league appearance for them all season.

Wayne Bridge featured in attack for an injury struck Chelsea side against League Two side Wycombe Wanderers in the 2007 semi-final 1st leg League Cup match, scoring one goal in the process.

On 12 January 2011, Wayne Bridge joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the season.

Wayne Bridge made 18 appearances in all competitions for West Ham before his loan ended.

Wayne Bridge played 37 league games for Brighton, scoring three goals and helping them reach fourth place in the league to qualify for the play-offs.

In June 2013, Wayne Bridge signed a one-year contract with Reading, who had just been relegated to the Football League Championship.

Wayne Bridge chose Reading ahead of offers from Queens Park Rangers and Brighton, who wished to make his loan permanent.

On 6 May 2014, Wayne Bridge was released by Reading after 12 games in his only season for the club, subsequently retiring from professional football.

Wayne Bridge was making regular appearances for the England under-21 team, and the managers' prophecy was realised when Sven-Goran Eriksson gave him his first full cap against the Netherlands on 13 February 2002.

Wayne Bridge quickly proved himself and appeared twice as a substitute in the 2002 World Cup, although he did not appear at all in Euro 2004, with Ashley Cole being preferred.

Wayne Bridge returned to the England team for a friendly against Argentina in November 2005, covering for the injured Cole at left back and winning his 21st cap.

On 25 February 2010, Wayne Bridge announced his permanent withdrawal from international duty following allegations regarding England captain John Terry and Wayne Bridge's former girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel.

Wayne Bridge was in a relationship with French model Vanessa Perroncel from 2005 to 2009.

The next day, Wayne Bridge signed a new four-year contract with Chelsea, on 22 November 2006.

Wayne Bridge gave birth to their son, Parker Bridge, on 18 October 2013.

Wayne Bridge was a contestant in the 2016 series of TV show I'm a Celebrity.

Wayne Bridge has spoken about his love for playing poker, which began when his friends started a local monthly home game.

Wayne Bridge plays in one day live events, and has described his style of play as 'kamikaze'.