West Ham defender Ben Johnson admits his strong Christian faith has helped him in his football career.
Johnson says the obstacles he's faced have been overcome thanks to his faith.
He told whufc.com: "I think all people have tests. Some people aren't Christians and some are, and everyone goes through tests.
"I think, for me, my testing is part of my faith in Jesus Christ. That's what I build my foundation on. I know that the tests are going to build my character and are going to improve me as a person, not just a footballer, as my life goes beyond football and my happiness goes beyond football.
"Don't get me wrong, I love football and I want to be the best I can for as long as I can, but the way I'm going to do that is ultimately by giving everything I can to my faith, and I'm sure my football will come hand in hand. So that's kind of how I look at it.
"I wasn't born or I didn't grow up as a kid thinking 'I'm going to be a footballer'. It might have been a dream, but millions of kids want to be footballers. They're not in the position I'm in currently, so I don't think it's a coincidence and that's why my faith in the Lord is so strong, because so many boys could be in my position, but I'm the one doing it, so I have to use it. I don't want to put it to waste.
"So that's something that does put pressure on me, I do feel pressure because I don't want to put what I have to waste and, ultimately, I want to be a success as a person first, but then secondly as a good player that I am.
"My faith and my football are connected and always will be.
"I do believe that there is only one God because I think everyone has something and eventually everyone will get there.
"Like, me and other players at West Ham and at other clubs are in football for reason. Football is difficult and I don't think I could do it without my faith which has made me a lot stronger and a lot calmer and it has helped me go further in my life."
