Can only be equated with Brazilians if I win World Cup: Rooney

London, Nov 13 : Ahead of Saturday's friendly against Brazil, England striker Wayne Rooney has said that he can never be compared to some of the Brazilian greats until he wins a World Cup.

The 24-year-old, who has 25 goals in 56 England games and 105 in 253 for Manchester United, said: “Romario, Ronaldo, these were unbelievable players. And until I win a World Cup like them, I''ll never be remembered as a great. Some of the things they could do with a ball make your hair stand on end.”

When asked if he saw himself as the nearest England star to a Brazilian-style player, Rooney said: “Well, I certainly don''t look Brazilian and I can''t dance like them, either. But I certainly take it as a compliment even though there are players in the England team far more skilful than me. Especially Joe.”

“I never really try skills. If it happens, it happens. I find if I don''t think about it, it works better. Sometimes, if you work on stuff, it''s in your mind and you feel you have to do it in a game. And sometimes it doesn''t come off,” The Sun quoted Rooney, as saying.

Rooney further said that he considered Ronaldo to be the best striker in football, and inspiration for him.

“To me, Ronaldo was the greatest forward ever. Some of the things he did at Barcelona were incredible. Then there are Kaka and Ronaldinho, who have both been World Footballer of the Year. I love watching players like these, proven world-class stars who have won World Cups,”

“That''s what I''ve got to do. To be up there alongside them you have to win a World Cup,” he added.

--ANI