Stoke City striker Mamady Sidibe rolled back the years when he swapped the football pitch for the classroom.

Sidibe, who was a key figure in another successful season for the Potters, spent time offering encouragement to students learning French at Blurton High School as part of the Premier League's Places For Players initiative.

The Mali international was on hand to spend the morning with year nine classmates where he helped demonstrate the importance and advantages of being able to speak a second language.

idibe described being able to speak English as well as French as hugely important in helping him to settle in this country after moving from France almost a decade ago.

"It's really helped me being able to speak a second language and I'm sure if you ask any of the other lads who have moved from abroad they will tell you exactly the same," he said.

"I think if you can speak more than one language it will really benefit you, especially people who want to move to another country. Not only that though, there are many instances where being able to speak a little bit of French or German, or any other language, really helps.

"It's good to go and do things like this because it is a nice way of interacting with children at school and hopefully they will come along and see me and the lads at the Britannia Stadium next year.

"Kids are the future of the club and the more young supporters we have the better it is for everyone involved. Not just that though, it is vital we are role models for them and by going out and helping them in this way may hopefully have an impact on them."