RIGGY IS A MACKEM

In an in-depth interview with the Telegraph, Chris Rigg spoke about coming through the ranks at Sunderland, addressed his family's Newcastle United links and spoke about his play-off ambitions...

BEST CAREER DECISION

"The best decision I made was coming to Sunderland. For them to put me in the team at 15, I don’t think many would take that risk. It’s been so important for me. I could have signed for Premier League clubs and not played anywhere near the number of games. If you look at the England squad, virtually all of them have played in the EFL at some point, whether that was on loan or starting their career in the lower leagues. It’s sped up my progress undoubtedly."

SECRET MACKEMS

"Sunderland are my club, I’ve been here my whole life. I come from a family of Newcastle fans, there is no point hiding that, but it changes when you play for Sunderland in front of those fans. My family being Newcastle fans has no impact on me, it doesn’t change the way I feel about Sunderland. The fans have been unbelievable. They could have thought, ‘Nah, he’s a Newcastle fan’ or whatever, but I think I’ve shown what this club means to me. It’s not really a debate. My dad gives me a little bit of stick, but he comes to all Sunderland’s games. I think he is a secret Mackem now! He puts his son above everything, he loves watching me and he absolutely loves coming to our games."

ROLE MODELS

“If you look at the career he has had, Jordan [Henderson] has captained Liverpool, he’s won the Premier League, the Champions League. He has played for England at the World Cup and the Euros. I’d love all those things. He has shown what is possible for someone who starts at Sunderland and he’s definitely a role model for me. I’ve never spoken to him, but I would love to. Then you have Jordan Pickford, too, lots of players have started at Sunderland and gone on to have amazing careers. They are an example for me to follow, just as I hope I can be a role model to the kids who are coming through the academy now.”

TRANSFER RUMOURS & PROMOTION AIMS

“I don’t listen to any of the speculation. I’ve got far more important things to worry about, like trying to get Sunderland promoted.”