Footballers and their childhood idols, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Paul Pogba’s heroes

Footballers and their childhood idols, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Paul Pogba’s heroes
When Matt Le Tissier found out Barcelona iconXavi looked up to him as a child, the Southampton legend had a t-shirt specially, which read: ‘Xaviloves me’.The admiration stems from a Spanish television show dedicated to the weekend’s best Premier League goals shownevery Monday and, naturally, featured Le Tissier on a regular basis.“I’m talking outrageous, sickening goals,” Xavi said of the finishes.

---

REVEALED: Footballers who played for their boyhood club’s rivals

---

Here, talkSPORT.com looks at other footballers and their biggest childhood idols, including Lionel Messi’s hero, the influence of Tottenham on Dennis Bergkamp and who Cristiano Ronaldo looks up to.You can even find out which Premier League legend’s shirt Dimitar Berbatov slept in. 18

1. Xavi loved Matt Le Tissier scroll through the gallery to see other footballers and their biggest idols – Xavi revealed his household was "obsessed" with Southampton legend Le Tissier when the former Barca midfielder was growing up in Spain.

18

2. Sergio Aguero was a huge admirer of Liverpool striker Michael Owen – In his autobiography, Aguero wrote: "City fans might not want to hear it, but when I was a kid I wanted to be Owen. I've always liked Liverpool."

18

3. David Beckham's hero was Man United midfielder Bryan Robson – Beckham followed in the footsteps of his boyhood hero by becoming England captain and a legendary Man United number seven.

18

4. Lionel Messi liked Pablo Aimar – Aimar was a technically brilliant and skilful Argentina international, so it's little surprise Messi was, and still is, a big admirer.

18

5&6. Karim Benzema and Zlatan Ibrahimovic really liked Ronaldo – Ibrahimovic, who has played for Juventus, Man United and Barcelona, once said there "will never be a better player than [Ronaldo]" and Benzema credits the former Brazil and Real Madrid ace as the one who influenced his playing style most.

18

7. Dimitar Berbatov looked up to Alan Shearer – Berbatov grew up worshiping the Premier League legend. At first I supported Blackburn because Shearer was there, then Newcastle. My parents got me a Newcastle no.9 shirt because they knew I loved Shearer so much. I would sleep in it. Later I lost it, but I went to see my mum recently and she had a shirt for me. I said, What the f**k? Thats my Newcastle shirt! I was so happy to see it again, he told Four Four Two mag.

18

8. Dennis Bergkamp loved watching Glenn Hoddle play for Tottenham – The Arsenal legend grew up inspired by the Spurs great, but has rubbished rumours he was a Tottenham fan.

18

9&10. Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta both idolised Pep Guardiola – Both midfielders operate in the same position Guardiola did and model their style on the creative Spaniard.

18

11&12. Eden Hazard and Mario Gotze idolised Zinedine Zidane – Both players have been inspired by Zidane since childhood, enthralled by his composure on the ball and elegant playing style.

18

13. Carlos Valderrama was an idol to James Rodriguez – Many Colombians see Rodriguez as Valderrama's natural successor as the country's football hero.

18

14. Thierry Henry was an idol of Robert Lewandowski's – Goal scorers learn from the best and Lewandowski closely studied Henry during the striker's time at Arsenal where he scored 228 goals.

18

15. Manuel Neuer really liked Jens Lehmann – Neuer had plenty of great goalkeepers to follow in his youth, but claims ex-Arsenal no.1 Lehmann was his favourite. "First of all he played for Schalke and I was always impressed by his way of playing and his charisma. He is an attacking goalkeeper. I used to come early to home games when I was little to watch Jens warm-up. He was quite innovative and he did exercises during warm-ups that I hadn't seen anyone else do before."

18

16&17. Oscar and Paul Pogba both idolised Kaka – Both midfielders harboured dreams of playing at the highest level in Europe, just as Kaka did. The Brazilian won the Ballon d'Or in 2007 while playing for Italian club Milan. Both midfielders harboured dreams of playing at the highest level in Europe, just as Kaka did. The Brazilian won the Ballon d'Or in 2007 while playing for Italian club Milan. Oscar earned a transfer to Chelsea in 2012 before deciding to leave for the Chinese Super League in 2017, while Pogba won the World Cup with France and became the most expensive player in the world when Man United paid Juve 89m for him in 2016. I had videos of Maradona, Pele, Chris Waddle, Kaka many players. I wanted to have all the virtues of those players," he said.

18

18. Marco Reus' football idol was Tomas Rosicky – Reus admired the Dortmund midfielder so much he copied everything about him "right down to his sweatbands."

18

19. Wayne Rooney was a big fan of Goodison favourite Duncan Ferguson – Everton fan Rooney has always said Ferguson was his childhood hero. As a child he had posters of him on his bedroom wall.

18

20. Luis Suarez was a fan of Gabriel Batistuta – Suarez has described Batistuta as the "ultimate" striker and closely studied his playing style to better his own performances.

18

21. Fernando Torres' idol was Kiko – Kiko spent most of his career at Atletico Madrid, so the striker was a natural idol to the young Torres, who began his professional career at the club and took over his mantle as club icon.

18

22. Cristiano Ronaldo had no particular idol – When Ronaldo was asked to name the person who had influenced him most, he said he had no specific idols and instead motivated himself to be the best.

---

Mesut Ozil has been named in the starting line-up for Arsenal's Europa League clash with BATE Borisov. The midfielder was recalled to the team as one of two changes for the Gunners from the side
~ Arsenal vs BATE Borisov: Mesut Ozil named in starting XI

---

Manchester United vs Leeds confirmed for next summer as fierce rivals meet for first time in eight years. The two sides will partake in a pre-season friendly in Australia on 17th July.
Leeds United vs Man Utd: How crunch clash is set for return

---

Marcus Rashford misses England training and is doubt for

---

Transfer Talk: Juventus to offer three players in exchange for Paul Pogba TOP STORY: Juventus offer United three stars for Pogba Rumours over the future of Manchester United star Paul Pogba don't
Transfer News: Man United Want Juventus Star As Paul Pogba

---

Portugal vs Netherlands live on talkSPORT: Free commentary stream and team news for Nations League final All you need to know to tune into the action live from Portugal By Marc Williams
Portugal vs Switzerland live on talkSPORT: Full commentary

---

Barcelona legend Xavi has been appointed head coach of Qatari club Al Sadd.. The 39-year-old spent the last four years of his career at Al Sadd before retiring at the end of the 2018/19 season.
Barcelona legend Xavi named head coach of Qatari club Al Sadd

---

Leeds United cemented their position at the top of the Championship with a 2-0 win at Elland Road against Derby County. On a day filled with controversy, Marcelo Bielsa shocked fans and pundits alike by admitting he DID send a scout to watch the Rams train before the Friday night clash.
~ Leeds United 2-0 Derby County: Marcelo Bielsa's men move

---

Tottenham's unbeaten run proves that Arsenal no longer rule North London last North London derby Premier League match-winner for Arsenal was Tomas Rosicky. That was in April 2014 at a time
Why this North London derby is bigger for Arsenal than
bestwnews.com/sport/why-this-north-london-derby-is-bigger-for-arsenal-than-tottenham-according-to-paul-merson/
Just three points separate the sides, with Tottenham sat in third and Arsenal just outside the top four, but a win for the Gunners could turn it on its head. Speaking On Sky Sports' The Debate, Paul Merson said: "This game this weekend is a bigger game for Arsenal than Tottenham, that is how it has swung really.
Tim Sherwood and David Seaman: It's already a must-win for

---

Liverpool fans around the world were celebrating as the Reds thrashed Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield to complete a stunning Champions League comeback on Tuesday.. Jurgen Klopp's side booked their place in next month's final with a 4-3 aggregate win over the LaLiga champions.
Reds fans from across the world celebrate incredible
fussboll.com/2019/05/08/reds-fans-from-across-the-world-celebrate-incredible-champions-league-semi-final-victory/
Reds fans from across the world celebrate incredible Champions League semi-final victory. Reds fans from across the world celebrate incredible Champions League semi
Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona: Reds fans from across the world

---

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has prepared his stars for tonight's clash by making them walk over burning coals and snap arrowheads with their windpipes! The Tottenham boss clearly does not want his
Tottenham vs Liverpool: Mauricio Pochettino makes Spurs stars
sportworld360.com/tottenham-vs-liverpool-mauricio-pochettino-makes-spurs-stars-walk-on-hot-coals-and-break-arrows-with-throats/
Mauricio Pochettino has put his Tottenham players through a series of death-defying challenges to get them emotionally prepared for the Champions League final against Liverpool. Players and staff have walked over burning hot coals and snapped sharp arrows with their throats, as the spiritual Spurs boss attempts to strengthen their minds.

---

Leicester City transfer news: Foxes move to sign Celta Vigo midfielder Brais Mendez Talksport. Leicester City have moved to sign Celta Vigo midfielder Brais Mendez, according to reports in Spain.
Leicester line up Celta Vigo star Brais Mendez who taught

---

An opening ceremony will take place on April 3 ahead of the first fixture at Tottenham's new stadium against Crystal Palace, it has been confirmed. Spurs were worried it would be difficult to
Tottenham Hotspur new stadium: Premier League club confirms

---