SWAPPING football kit for gown and mortar board, Saints legend Matthew Le Tissier still managed to look every inch the star as he collected his honorary degree yesterday.

The popular ex-footballer has gained a Master of Arts (Honoris Causa) degree from Southampton Institute in recognition of his loyalty to the city.

Despite his phenomenally successful career, Le Tissier said: "It's a very proud day for me and for my family.

"My mum and dad and my girlfriend have come along too. I have really been looking forward to it - it's a great honour."

He admits he has always wanted to be a footballer and put all his energy into it, even though he was quite bright at school: "I got O-levels in English lit, English language and maths, and CSE's in French, physics and chemistry. But I always believed I would be a footballer, nothing else ever really crossed my mind."

After a fancy lunch with Southampton dignitaries and institute chiefs, Institute principal Roger Brown presented Le Tissier with his degree at a special presentation at Southampton Guildhall.

Janet Bradford MBE, head of academic registry at the institute said the honour marks his immeasurable contribution to the city.