Raheem Sterling wanted to emulate Ronaldinho

Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling has revealed that he grew up wanting to emulate Brazil legend Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho was an integral part of the Barcelona side that won the Champions League back in 2006, and the World Cup winner has been voted World Player of the Year twice during his glittering career.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the 19-year-old said that he idolised the ex-Barca star during his formative years.

"I wanted to be someone like Ronaldinho," he said. "Look at the amazing skills he had and how easy he made it look to beat opponents and create and score goals.

"He was someone I always looked up to how he was on the field. He was just someone I tried to be like, yes."

The 34-year-old Ronaldinho currently plays for Queretaro in Mexico.