Former Crystal Palace star Darren Ambrose was in Orpington today (May 16) to cut the ribbon at a new gym.

The midfielder, 30, along with wife Rachel and three children, was on hand at Anytime Fitness to talk to locals about the facilities and impart some professional fitness knowledge.

After a stint on loan in Greece Ambrose is back home in Chelsfield and said while he is enjoying the summer break he likes to keep in shape – especially now he is “getting older”.

He told News Shopper: “In the break I’ve got to keep fitness up – it’s amazing how much you lose over the summer. And I’m 30 now so it’s even more important.

“I like doing cardio and this is just down the road so it’s easy.

“They (the gym) asked me to come down and be around the place.”

Ambrose’s contract at Birmingham City runs out in July, and he added he is open to new experiences after enjoying his time overseas.

He even hinted at a possible season or two in the United States, but said the borough is very much his home now after moving down from Newcastle to join Charlton Athletic nine years ago.

“This is home – we like it here. But I’m open to other things while I’m still playing.

“The kids have been having a home tutor as my family came out to Greece with me but they’ll be back at school soon.”

News Shopper:    News Shopper:

Anytime Fitness added its Orpington centre to a list of 2,500 around the world in April.

Club manager Ayrton Lambird, 22, said he is excited about the gym’s future and mentioned it is nice to have Ambrose around.

He said: “It’s great to open in the community – I’m happy to be here and we’re attracting members.

“People love seeing him (Ambrose) here. He’s a really friendly guy, really genuine.”

Much like the News Shopper reporter, both Ambrose and Mr Lambird noted most people like to ask the footballer about his stunning strike against Manchester United in 2012. Re-live it below: