Zirkzee reveals sporting inspiration

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Tuesday 15 October 2024 10:34

Joshua Zirkzee has named former NBA star Allen Iverson as his major sporting hero.

As he revealed to Inside United, our official monthly magazine, Zirkzee is a big follower of basketball and, considering the Dutch striker’s height and vision, would no doubt make a decent player himself.

Iverson made his name with the Philadelphia 76ers, who selected him as the league’s number one draft pick in 1996.

Despite experiencing a tough upbringing and legal troubles off the court, the American became one of the league’s biggest names, winning the Most Valuable Player award in 2001 when helping the Sixers reach the finals.

Iverson’s impact was not just restricted to the sport itself, as his embrace of hip-hop culture led to him becoming a cultural touchpoint for millions across the world, including Zirkzee.

“I started watching basketball when I was around 15, 16 maybe, and it started because of, you know, Michael Jordan and the big ones,” he told us.

“But the main reason why I really got into watching actual basketball and really got my interest was a documentary about Allen Iverson, and he was the first player that I really saw.

“I was like: oh, he’s really different, you know? He’s probably the reason I got into basketball.

“America is a lot different. It’s just certain stuff that you can relate to – in some cases, troubling surroundings, a lot of difficulties in life that you have to just go through. That really inspired me.

“Also him making it and still being himself. That was cool to see.”

Despite his admiration for Iverson, Joshua named his dog after another huge star of the era:
“I just thought Kobe was a cool name! Of course, Kobe [Bryant] is top five, one of the GOATs.”

Zirkzee mentioned Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards and LeBron James when asked about current players he admires, but ventured into the music, comedy and football spheres when it came to naming his five dream dinner-party guests.

“I was thinking I’d probably have Bob Marley at the table. He seemed kind of chill [laughs].

“In the moment, I think I’d have a lot of questions for him. I need someone funny too. I’d probably bring [comedian] Druski to have a laugh.

Iverson, who was nicknamed ‘the Answer’, is regarded as one of the NBA’s greatest players.

“I’d bring a friend of mine, which you guys don’t know, Dosho, that’s also a really good laugh.

“Then I’d bring Jay-Z. If I could have a dinner with Jay-Z, I have to bring Jay-Z if I can. And the fifth one? I don’t know, is four enough?

“I’ll put Ronaldinho at the table too. That would be fun. So I’ve got someone chill – Bob Marley – two funny guys, Jay-Z and Ronaldinho. That’s a good table!”

Read the full interview with Joshua in this month’s edition of Inside United, which is available to purchase now.

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Tuesday 15 October 2024 10:34