Each and everyone of us has at least one person in our life whom we look up to. Somebody who fuels our passion, one who gives us the courage to face our daily hardships or another who inspires us to pull ourselves together to defy our own limits. Be it in sport, the arts, politics or simply in our day to day business.

In our latest series, Role Models and Lifestyle, once every two weeks we will be asking role models from Africa the following 10 questions:

We kick off with George Weah, the Liberian football legend turned politician.

1. If I was on your doorstep right now, where would you take me?
I would take you to my country, Liberia, for you to breathe in my culture.

2. What cd/music and book would you bring along?
I would make you listen to some typical Liberian music. Maybe you are going to enjoy it because it has good beats and a good message.

There are a lot of books. Maybe something about Liberian history. Maybe one by Wilton Sankawulo. That’s a good writer.

3. Who else would you take along?
I’d like everyone to go to Liberia. To make them understand the culture and see what Liberia looks like.

4. What kind of phone do you use? Do you have internet on it?
I use a phone on which I can access my e-mails because I’m on the road. It is important to keep in touch. Technology is so advanced today that we have the possibility to be part of the world. I use it to access emails and messages. I don’t go on websites. Sometimes I do some research on the internet.

5. Who or what makes you laugh most?
I love to be around friends. Friends make me laugh. For the little things they say. I love cracking jokes. And also to look at my mother because she is always making jokes. Sometimes she acts really cute and she makes me laugh. She’s 61 and she thinks she’s 27. She is still beautiful. It’s good that she’s feels that way.

6.  When was the last time you cried and why?
Yesterday. I went to the dentist and it was painful. He repaired my root canal. And I was crying on my own in my hotel room.

7. What made you decide to do what you do?
First, I followed the game of football, I practised the game. I had passion for it and I felt I could better my life. What I am into today: my people brought me on board based on my contribution to society. I accepted the call and I stand for my people. And this is where we are.

It is a passion. Serving people is what I love to do and what I have been doing. It is not a responsibility. If it’s only responsibility, then I don’t think I want to do that. Out of a caring heart, I was called to do a job for my people. And this is what I am doing.   

8. Being a role model yourself, who is your role model?
I have two. Nelson Mandela and Pelé. From a sporting aspect Pelé is my role model. He inspired me a lot. I wanted to be like him. From a human point of view it is Nelson Mandela. He cares for people, he loves people. He stands for freedom and justice and I am inspired by him.

9. Your first association with the Netherlands?
I have been coming to Holland for a long time now. It‘s a beautiful place. I am here today for the launch of a book that talks about football and politics in West-Africa.

But I know some Dutch people love me. It’s just a game. I don’t think they hate me so much. I know in Europe they love me. 
 
10. I'm proud to be an African, because...
I was born in Africa. I fight for Africa. Everything I do is in the interest of Africa. My people are from Africa. I am a pan africanist. I follow those who believe that Africa must me free and safe. It‘s a beautiful place to live in.

Africa makes me proud. Africans live with hope. It’s a beautiful continent. And the fact that people come and visit us makes me proud. It shows that it is a good continent.

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