IT'S amazing what a sunshine break to Fiji can do for you.
In Lee Sharpe's case it brought him an unlikely but blossoming relationship with notorious Abi Titmuss and a profile higher than he ever managed as a Manchester United and England footballer.
From Celebrity Love Island to the City of Manchester Stadium, Sharpe is in the public eye more than John Prescott.
"It's been a revelation," agrees the one-time darling of the Stretford End," he said.
"I'm busier now and travelling more than I ever did as a footballer.
"But three days before Love Island started I nearly pulled out because I wasn't keen on the 24 hour a day camera surveillance.
"I'm glad I didn't because it's been fantastic and life is good."
Sharpe, speaking to the MEN Sport courtesy of Gillette, an official sponsor of the World Cup, was guest of honour at Eastlands for a fans' forum.
And he's a pundit that isn't frightened to speak his mind.
For a start Sharpe, capped eight times by his country in the 1990s, believes Sven-Goran Eriksson is wrong to include Wayne Rooney in his World Cup squad.
Talent
But he thinks the Swede got it right by drafting in Arsenal novice Theo Walcott.
"It's a risk picking Walcott because he's not played in the Premier League," agrees Sharpe whose brother John had a brief career with Manchester City.
"But I don't think there is any question about the lad's talent.
"He will be an unknown force for other teams. With his pace and his finishing ability he can be a surprise package.
"However, I'd be very surprised if he starts a game. He might do in later stages if he comes on and surprises a few people.
"But at first it's likely to be for the last 15 or 20 minutes when his pace could be frightening.
"However, if I was Darren Bent or Jermain Defoe left out in preference for a 17-year-old who hasn't played in the Premier League, I'd be gutted."
The selection of Rooney and Michael Owen has split the nation.
Sharpe says: "I think Sven has got it right with Owen because I think he's got a good chance of being fit. But I'm not sure I'd pick Rooney.
"I understand why he's selected him because he wants to give him the best possible chance of making it. But in past times when players have done this metatarsal, on average it's been nine to 12 weeks to get fit so I don't think Rooney will play."
There are more broken metatarsals than broken legs these days but Sharpe says: "These injuries were probably around when I was playing but we probably called them a broken toe or a damaged foot.
Information
"It wasn't such a major concern but now everyone wants to know all about the specifics. It's probably over the top publicity.
"But when it is a player like Wayne Rooney and the World Cup is coming up, everyone wants to know as much information as they can get hold of.
"Even if Rooney doesn't play I still think we've got a great chance. We have got a great squad.
"We should go there and play our own style in the English tempo. If they can do that, get at teams and be bold then we've got a great chance.
"I accept though it's going to be tough enough to qualify for the knock-out stage. I don't think it's going to be as easy as some people make out.
"If we do qualify then we've got every chance of making the final."
Sharpe, who had more than his fair share of run-ins at Old Trafford with Sir Alex Ferguson, wouldn't have chosen Steve McClaren as Sven's successor.
"I fell into the camp of the best man for the job. I think the best players in the country deserve the best man for the job. Besides, the way the British press is, if they start appointing someone who is not good enough, they are going to be the first to hound him out.
"If the FA think Steve McClaren is the best man for the job then let's see."
Sharpe certainly doesn't have any ambition to become a manager though famously he was once rumoured to be a contender for a job at Bury.
So, what was the truth?
"I'd just got back from playing in Iceland.
"A friend of mine was putting together a package for some people that were thinking of taking over at Gigg Lane.
"It was half mentioned that I could possibly be player-manager. I don't think it is for me though, do you?"
What are your memories of Sharpe at United? Have your say.
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Excellent player also shafted by the the huge ego that is Fergie.
Great personality!
The game is littered with his type unfortuanately; talent in abundance but fell foul of the "celebrity disease" that wants instant fame without the graft to learn the trade! A pity a likeable character and a shame that he will look back and think i could have been ......!
David Kelly, Dublin Lee sharpe leaving was nothing to do with Fergie who helped him through some really difficult times. the reason he left was actually giggs. when Sharpe was out giggs broke onto the scene and when sharpe returned fergie wanted to move him back to left back and team him up with giggs down the left, sharpe was not happy with this and asked for a transfer at the end of the season. Shame because if he had reverted to left back he would probably have got about 50 england caps.
He did suffer a spate of injuries and no big clubs came in for him,I assume instead of blossoming onto his full potential the road became too difficult and he had to take a step down.Really nice fella,it's a shame.
sharpey enjoyed himself too much ..off the pitch
..party boy
Lee Sharpe was a great player for united i idolised him as a kid and we all tried to copy the sharpey shuffle, great engine(when not ill), best crosser on the run ive seen and also a great eye for a goal. Lived the dream on and off the field, and still is(well off it at least), well done sharpey lad
A talented player who seemed to have lost his way mentally and allowed Ryan Giggs to take over. Maybe giggs would have surpassed him anyway, but it seems like he made it easier for ryan by his off-field behaviour and apparrant lack of application. Had loads of talent though. should have done better.
I've heard he and Cantona socialised
It was a real shame that he got injured and then the illness which IMO he never recovered from, certainly wasn't the same player afterwards. I will never forget Sharpes hatrick against the gooners back in the Rumbelows Cup when we stuffed them at Highbury. Class.
absolutely devastating on his day, wish more footballers showed the enjoyment sharpie did.
I remember Lee playing in a mid-week Cup game against Leicester and I think he scored a hat-trick. Then the manager took him off and brought on Ryan Giggs. The Leicester fans were completely blown away.
Sharpie was the best left foot crosser I have ever seen and had pace to burn. Pity he lost his way in football - but hey he's enjoyed himself!
I think Lee Sharpe peaked at about 20 and then had nothing left to offer when he surprisingly (or not??) lost some of his pace and PL defenders got the measure of him.Kieron Richardsons career could follow the same path although I doubt whether he will be able to pull Abi Titmus like Lee as managed!He seems to have kept himself fit and healthy inspite of his showbiz lifestyle and I wish him well
Next to Giggsy and Robbo my great childhood hero. Always loved to watch him play. His smile and energy brought a new dimension to United in the early 90s. Best memories? The hattrick at Highbury, the back-heel goal (against Barcelona?), and of course: the Sharpie Shuffle! Fantastic lad, should have kept focus on football and had an even greater career. Wish him all the best!