He’s the boy from Sydney’s west, whose rags-to-riches story is something every Australian should be proud of.

Mat Ryan has gone from a working-class childhood in Plumpton to being a star on the rise in the world’s most popular sport.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has been turning heads in the English Premier League over the past two seasons and has firmly cemented his place as the Socceroos’ number one.

Now, he’s back in Australia during the off-season and has joined Alan Jones in the studio.

“This is royalty, this is a hell of a story,” says Alan.

“This young bloke sitting here right beside me has developed into one of the most outstanding soccer players in the country.”

Ryan says he never forgets where he came and credits his family with his success.

“The lengths they went to provide for their families, I quickly learnt that nothing comes without hard work.

“Growing up in the circumstances I did, it shaped me into who I am today.”

The success, fame and the fortune that has come with football almost never happened though with Ryan explaining how close he was to pursuing a different sport altogether.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview