For generations of Indian football fans, Sunil Chhetri himself has been the ultimate role model. But when the legendary striker looks back at his own inspirations, one name from the Premier League stands out — Wayne Rooney.
Speaking candidly in a Premier League podcast, Chhetri revealed why the former Manchester United and England captain left such a lasting impression on him. “Wayne Rooney is my GOAT,” Chhetri said with conviction. “I’ll tell you why. Even on a day when Rooney wasn’t technically at his best, he would fight for the team like there was no tomorrow.”
It was not just Rooney’s celebrated goals or thunderous volleys that caught Chhetri’s attention, but rather his relentless work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work. “This nature and skill of his was so impressive to me that I always tried to be like him,” Chhetri explained. “But soon I realized not every day is going to be my good day. Someday I’ll have a bad touch, someday I’ll miss an open goal. But what I can always do is fight for it.”
Chhetri drew parallels to Rooney’s all-round contribution on the field. Whether it was tracking back, heading out defensively, or throwing himself into tackles, the Manchester United legend never shied away from responsibility. “For a striker, that doesn’t come naturally. But Rooney made sure he did it for the team,” Chhetri noted.
The Indian captain also highlighted how Rooney’s skill is often underrated. “People don’t give him enough credit for the kind of skill he had,” Chhetri remarked. “On his good days, you could see the volleys, the goals, the flair. But even on the tough days, he was the first one fighting, making tackles at Anfield or against Liverpool. That’s what stood out.”
For aspiring strikers, Chhetri believes Rooney’s example carries a vital lesson. Technical brilliance alone is never enough; resilience and commitment are equally important. “If any kid wants to think about performing well as a striker, they should look at Rooney. It’s about giving everything for the team—on good days and on bad days,” he said.
As Chhetri enters the twilight of his own illustrious career, his words carry the weight of experience. And by pointing to Rooney as his “GOAT,” he reminds young players that greatness is not defined only by goals, but also by sacrifice, grit, and the refusal to stop fighting for the team.
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