FORMER England football star Martin Keown paid a visit to pupils at an Abingdon school to teach them about respect and determination.

Mr Keown, who was born in Oxford, spoke to year five and six pupils at St Nicolas Primary, in Boxhill Walk, on Monday. He talked about respect and how to achieve their goals.

He played for Arsenal more than 300 times, won three Premier League titles, three FA cups and earned 43 caps for England.

Ruth Pigott, 11, said: “It was brilliant meeting Martin. He has such a presence and he has been so successful. I hope to steal some secrets to success.”

Kissy O'Hara, also 11, said: “It was great meeting someone like Martin. It is so inspiring that he came to our school and talked to us as he has done so much.”

Will Pearce, 11, said: “It was good to have Martin in to talk about respect and success. I’ll definitely work harder towards my dreams and ambitions.”

Headteacher Dick Furniss said: “It was great for the children to meet a successful sportsman, especially with the Olmpic Games in London about to happen.”