The 35-year-old became a hero in the USA following his outstanding performance at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The Everton goalie broke the tournament record for the number of saves made in a single game in their 1-2 extra-time loss to Belgium. Obama called Howard after the match to show his appreciation for the custodian’s efforts.

“The call from the president is all set up. You just try not to say anything stupid, because forever you’ll be remembered as the guy who said something stupid to the president,” Howard was quoted as saying by the Mirror Online.

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“But, put it this way, going into Sir Alex’s dressing room is more daunting because you know that the president of the United States isn’t going to yell at you. When Alex Ferguson yells at you, that’s absolutely the worst thing in the world!” Howard added.

Howard, though, failed to make an impression at Manchester United under Ferguson and was sold to Everton for three million pounds in 2007.