Carragher tells players not to have kids too early as it harms their careers

European champion and pundit Jamie Carragher sparked controversy this week when he urged up-and-coming players to hold off on having children and focus on the football.

The 46-year-old, who rose through Liverpool's academy and went on to win multiple FA Cups, Football League Cups and the coveted Champions League title, said on his podcast young players should wait until their thirties before having kids to avoid distractions from the game.

The former Liverpool star said: 'I do love the fact that my son not saw me play, can remember going to games, and at a cup final at the end, he was actually on the pitch – I think it was in 2012, towards the end of my career. It is something nice to look back [on].

'But, I always think now, as a player, my advice to my kids is to have kids, not as late as possible, but to almost get to your thirties.'

As a majority of British women now delay parenthood past the age of 30 in part to focus on their careers, the comments have sparked debate about the importance of work-life balance and how much priority we give to our careers.

Matt O'Connor, founder of campaign group Fathers 4 Justice, said he disagreed with Carragher and questioned the evidence behind his comment.

'I understand what he's saying - a lot of men are delaying becoming fathers until much later in life to focus on their careers,' he told MailOnline.

'But having children is one of the greatest things you can do - it provides a balance to your life and perspective.

'That's really important when it comes to footballers too. Its a really part of growing up that helps shape them as an individual and a man, both on and off the pitch.

'If you look at footballers like Ronaldo it's not caused any problems.

'So I wouldn't agree with him when he