Did You Know? 5 facts about Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Soccer Football - Champions League Quarter Final First Leg - Liverpool vs Manchester City - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - April 4, 2018 Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Andrew Yates
SHOOT would like to wish Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain many happy returns as the England international celebrates his 25th birthday this evening!
The Liverpool star, who has 32 international caps for his country, only joined The Reds last August following his reported £35m move from Premier League rivals Arsenal, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at Anfield.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who began his career at fellow top-flight outfit Southampton, scored five goals and provided eight assists in 42 appearances in all competitions during his debut term with Liverpool last season.
Unfortunately for the attacking midfielder, the 25-year-old sustained multiple ligament damage back in April, which ruled him out for the rest of the 2017-18 campaign, the UEFA Champions League final and the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia this summer.
Happy birthday, @Alex_OxChambo!
Can’t wait to have you back out there at Anfield. pic.twitter.com/E9EfDVuMwc
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 15, 2018
Last month, the club sadly announced that Oxlade-Chamberlain would miss the majority of the current season.
But, the England player has posted on social media a workout video from Melwood gym, as he bids to return fitter and stronger for The Reds, and SHOOT wishes him a speedy recovery!
And to celebrate his birthday, here are SHOOT‘s five facts you may not know about Oxlade-Chamberlain…
Seven-year-old Saint
Born in Portsmouth, Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Southampton’s youth academy at the age of just seven!
Super Sportsman
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at England Under-18 level.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was that boy in your school year that was good at EVERY sport!
The Liverpool midfielder had such sporting prowess during his childhood, that he reportedly could have pursued a professional career in rugby union or cricket.
The 25-year-old was offered a trial at London Irish and with Hampshire as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
Europe Euphoria
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain celebrates his goal against Olympiakos with team mate Andrey Arshavin.
Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal from Southampton in August 2011, in a deal worth up to £15m.
He then became the youngest English goalscorer in UEFA Champions League history after opening the scoring against Olympiakos in September 2011.
Footballing Family
Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain in action against Notts County whilst on loan at Oxford City last season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s father, Mark, was also an England international, earning eight caps during the 1980s.
Mark played for the likes of Port Vale, Stoke City, Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth, Brighton and Hove Albion and Exeter City.
Meanwhile, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s younger brother, Christian, is also a professional footballer.
The fellow midfielder, who can also operate at right-back, joined League Two side Notts County from Portsmouth on a free transfer earlier this summer.
Pop star partner
Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently dating Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards.