Ever since professionalism in soccer was legalised in 1885, the pro-player has been the object of fascination, envy and adulation. Living to Play considers the stresses and strains, both physical and mental, of performing before an exacting and devoted public and how such adulation can turn sour. It looks at how players have been depicted in fiction and on film, and considers the way in which professionals have handled their ever-increasing rewards. Now, for the first time, one book is devoted solely and exclusively to the development of the professional footballer and his fortunes through the last 100 years and more.