Prince William was asked about football culture and spoke about the strange appeal of the ups and downs of being a fan.

His own support for Aston Villa became even more intense when the team was relegated, he said.

“I think it sounds very strange, but I got into football more than ever when we got relegated,” he told US podcasters.

“So when Aston Villa went from the Premiership to the Championship, I suddenly really enjoyed the battle to get back to the Premiership.”

The results of his beloved club could also affect his mood: “My weekend goes from being the best in the world when we win… Or, frankly, I don’t want to see anyone on Monday morning because I’m so depressed.”

He said he had become an Aston Villa fan after watching them play for the first time, remembering it as a match against Bolton 26 years ago.

Travis had asked if Prince William’s love of football was inherited.

“Did your dad get you into Aston Villa or is it your doing?” Travis asked.

“Of course not. My father hates football,” the prince replied.

He also warned the American hosts about the louder aspects of soccer support.

“Those noisy nights, those long afternoons, a few drinks, the social elements that come with it. You know, there’s a lot of chanting that you guys don’t want to hear. They’re pretty spicy. It’s pretty rude to pass them on.”

The prince’s thoughts were also revealed when asked about his role as president of the Football Association.

“Just don’t make a mistake,” he said, in succinct management advice.

The podcasters invited Prince William to name some of the greatest English players of all time, in what they imagined was football’s Mount Rushmore.

William’s list included Sir David Beckham, Gary Lineker, Harry Kane, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Sir Bobby Charlton.

“Harry Kane could end up being one of the best English strikers we’ve ever seen,” he said, with some prophetic accuracy, considering Kane became England’s top scorer in later appearances.