Former England star suggested that football stars 'may have psychopathic traits' after he took official test for TV show

A former England international once speculated whether some Premier League footballers possessed 'psychopathic' traits.

Some players in the past have been dubbed as the term 'psychopath' because of their behaviour on a football field.

Former West Ham and England defender Stuart Pearce was given the nickname by supporters due to his aggressive and unforgiving style of play.

Contrary to what some may belief, a 'psychopath' is not always associated with violent behaviour - and can also be defined as a person who shows 'egocentric behaviour and/or an absence of empathy'.

Ex-Liverpool and England goalkeeper David James, in an article for The Observer in 2013, commented that some Premier League players would have had tendencies that are similar to psychopaths, given their intense will to win matches at all costs and fierce determination.

Among the traits he listed were 'charismatic', 'charming', 'ambitious' and 'invested in self-gain' - all traits that he said could be applied to top footballers.

He wrote: "By those characteristics, you could be looking at a close description of some of the best footballers in the world.

"Muhammad Ali said if he had not been a boxer, he would have been the best binman in the world instead. That kind of drive is celebrated in our society, but it is not normal.

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"And, arguably, it comes at cost to everyone else because it's about the achievement of the individual over the masses.

"So much is about self-promotion. Think back to the goal celebrations you have witnessed. Look back over those photographs - who stands out? The goalscorer? Or the guy leaping on his back and staring straight into the camera, or saluting the fans in the stand. Who is the goal about? The team? Or the individual?

"What about those players who have moved from team to team throughout their career? Those players, I know from experience, tend to be more about themselves than any kind of team ethos. They have to be. It's a kind of self-preservation.

David James in action for England in 2010 - Getty

"I did score highly on a test I took, but then I would question a test which requires you to answer honestly the question, 'Are you a pathological liar?'"

The test James refers to was part of a TV show, titled 'Psychopath Night', which aired in 2013.

The description of the show noted that James featured on the show, during which he 'outlined the benefits to his profession, including a high degree of focus and emotional detachment from pressure'.