England could find Superman cheering for their opponents when they face the United States in their opening group game in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Dwight Howard, the Orlando Magic centre, who appeared in yesterday’s NBA All-Star Game in Dallas, wore a Superman cape when he won the dunk contest before the game two years ago in Las Vegas.

His Man-of-Steel-like defying of gravity prompted the fans at the Amway Arena to adopt the costume as an unofficial alternative kit, and the concession stands now sell T-shirts with the Superman logo in the team’s blue and black colours.

It might be too strong a statement for many 24-year-olds, but Howard has already had to fill some big shoes. The US-size 23s of Shaquille O’Neal, for instance, who was the Magic’s first superstar, followed by Penny Hardaway and Tracy McGrady. Now Howard wears the mantle, but is beloved by the fans not only for his skills – he leads the league in rebounds - but also an outgoing on-court personality.

Off court, relaxing in the locker room after a 45-minute shower, wearing an alarming pink sweater under a brown suit, Howard is so laid-back as to be horizontal. He explains the presence of a signed Ronaldinho Brazil shirt in his locker.

“Some guys said they were from Brazil and wanted to give me his jersey that was signed by … can’t think of his name,” Howard said. “Said he was a big fan of me and wanted me to have this, so it’ll go up on my wall of fame.”

But Howard admits that he is anything but super at soccer. “I play the Fifa video game,” he said. “I’m going to get into it this summer. I plan on going to the World Cup in South Africa, although I’ve never played soccer a day in my life.

“Actually I have a story for you guys. I was just running around by myself one day and some guys were having a soccer game and they needed a goalie. I’d never played but they just pulled me over and said: ‘Hey, hey, would you like to play goalie for our team?’ I played and let in five goals. It’s amazing.

“I was 15. They thought I was athletic, because I had an athletic build to myself back then, and they just said: ‘He looks like he could do this.’ I said: ‘I’ll try this but I’ve never done it before.’ Five goals. I set a record. They called me ‘Young Pele.’

“I went to Africa in the summer so I had a chance to see where they’re going to be playing. It’s going to be great, really a lot of fun. I couldn’t tell you one player from the US team, but if I’m there I’m going to try to have as much fun as I can. I’m hoping to go with adidas, like a sports reporter for adidas. It’s going to be cool.”

Howard would also like to represent the game if the NBA proceeds with plans to follow the lead of the NFL in taking regular-season games overseas. He is delighted to be informed that Orlando is the No 1 US destination for British visitors that – in a way – makes the Magic Britain’s team.

“That’s cool,” he said. And how about playing in London? “It would be cool. I’ve always heard great things about England but I’ve never been. It’d be a lot of travelling, but I think it’d be great to be an ambassador for the NBA, playing for fans that might not get a chance to make it over to the States and watch us play and get to see us live. So it would be great, an awesome event and I’d love to be part of it.”

Sourced via timesonline.uk