Rotherham United striker Alex Rhodes has had a Nelson Mandela speech tattooed to his leg!

He says the 142-word quotation is a constant reminder of his good fortune in progressing in the professional game.

Rhodes has been a regular in Mark Robbins' team and helped the Millers overcome their pre-season points deduction to climb Coca-Cola League 2.

Rhodes, 19, was released by Brentford and Bradford City earlier in his career.

He said: "I had a few knock backs when I was younger when people were telling me I was too small.

"But I have always been determined to prove them wrong and I just feel this quotation is appropriate for me and my life."

The passage was written by peace activist Marian Williamson and used by Mandela in 1994 when he was inaugurated as president of South Africa.

Rhodes added: "Williamson wrote about how people can change their lives, no matter how difficult things have become.

"It's really about the fact that only the individual can alter their own destiny - and I really identify with this."

The tattoo took over five hours to complete, but Rhodes is more than happy with the result.

He said: "I really love it, especially when I am getting ready for a game.

"It's inspiring to look down and read through it as it reminds me of everything I've gone through to get where I am.

The tattoo reads:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

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