David Ball: from Puskás nomination to transfer to FC St Helens

David Ball won promotion from League One twice with Peterborough United and Rotherham United, and once from League Two with Fleetwood Town. "This is what has received the most recognition. This is what has followed me all my life since I scored that goal," he said. David Ball became only the second English footballer to be nominated for the prestigious Puskas Award after his stunning goal against Preston North End for Fleetwood in 2015. This goal defined his career, although it was only an equalizer in a match that ended 1-1 in March of that year. The 36-year-old was nominated for the award alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez, with Wayne Rooney being the only English footballer to be nominated at the time. "I've done interviews for CNN in America and lots of different things and it's been absolutely wonderful," he told BBC Radio Merseyside. "I think it was good for the club at the time and to be second English to Wayne Rooney is quite important." Ball made 209 appearances at Fleetwood before heading to Rotherham United and Bradford City. He then went to play for Australian club Wellington Phoenix, where he spent five years and scored 15 goals in 119 appearances before returning to England, signing with Radcliffe last year. "It was something I always wanted to do. I always wanted to go and play overseas. And once there was an Australian league team that spoke English, it just made sense," he added. “I think at that time in my career, I had been promoted from League One twice and the offers I was getting were in the League One area, so I felt it was time for a change and I chose the furthest place.” Ball has now signed with FC St Helens in the North West League, continuing his career in the lower leagues. "I've been playing for 18 years now, moving on to what I do away from football. I felt like I needed to spend more time with my family," he continued. "I played at Radcliffe last year, where there was a lot of travel in the National League North, so it just seemed right. I know the owner, Paul Oakes, who has just taken over the club, so I know him well and it seemed like it made sense to help him."