Posh inspired Melanie Slade for going beyond being a WAG

London, Oct 9 (ANI): English footballer Theo Walcott's girlfriend Melanie Slade has said that Victoria Beckham encouraged her to have her own identity other than being a WAG.

She went from being an unknown schoolgirl to overnight sensation three years ago when Arsenal striker Walcott was unexpectedly picked for the England World Cup squad in Germany.

But, despite the sudden fame, she's managed to keep her feet on the ground and credits Victoria Beckham for helping her stay so level-headed.

"Victoria Beckham advised me to have my own life away from football and I've always believed in having my own career," the Mirror quoted her as saying.

And now that the squad has qualified for next year's World Cup, the 20-year-old is looking forward to flying off to South Africa next summer to support her man.

However, Melanie won't let Theo's World Cup duties get in the way of her studies for a physiotherapy degree. (ANI)