While most of today’s young professionals will have grown up watching the Premier League, the 24-year-old spent his formative years studying La Liga.
And playmaker Rivaldo, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002 and a star in Spain for Barcelona and Deportivo, was his favourite player.
‘When I was 13 I didn’t want to go out with my mates – I’d stay in and watch La Liga instead,’ Sturridge told FourFourTwo magazine.
‘Seeing Zidane, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo producing their magic week in, week out was a real buzz.
‘I’ve always studied the best Brazilians. I used to watch videos of Pele and loved seeing Rivaldo at Barcelona. I’m left-footed like he is, so I always tried to pick up bits from his game.
‘I remember that great overhead kick he scored against Manchester United in the Champions League. There was another one too, against Valencia in La Liga.
‘That one was from the edge of the box in the last minute and clinched his hat-trick. It was ridiculous. He was a top player.’
Sturridge has been out since late November with damaged ankle ligaments but could make his Liverpool return on Sunday at Stoke after resuming training this week.
The former Chelsea and Manchester City man has scored nine goals in 12 Premier League appearances this season.
Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂
