Abu Dhabi: Gulf News enjoyed an exclusive telephone interview with New Zealand All Blacks star Dan Carter recently. Aside from reflecting on his stellar career and the forthcoming Rugby World Cup, the 33-year-old revealed his inspirations and future plans.
Excerpts:
Q: You have been compared to Lionel Messi, but which sportsman has inspired you the most?
A: Michael Jordan inspired me. He was the greatest [basketball player] of all time. What I liked about him was that, when the pressure came on, he put his hand up.
I don’t compare myself to any sportsmen. Lionel Messi, he’s a freak, an amazing footballer in a league of his own. To dominate football the way he has done for the past five years is a credit to his ability.
Q: What about rugby players who have inspired you?
A: I really looked up to [former All Blacks fly-half Andrew Mehrtens] in my teenage years. He was such an awesome player and I was lucky to play alongside him for a couple of years.
Also John Kirwan — he was one of our 1987 World Cup-winning players and scored a great try in the final against France. I was five years old then and I think that’s what made me want to be an All Black.
Q: Any other inspirations?
A: My father, who remains my number one fan. He is a real motivating force, as are all my family.
My parents put a ball into my hands as soon as I could walk and put posts up in our garden, where I would kick goals and play with my mates until it got dark. They gave me the best opportunity to make it to the highest level.
Q: Tell me about your friendship with New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum, who once kept you out of your school team?
A: I’m good mates with Brendon. We only played in one team together as schoolboys, but he’s gone on to do some great things in cricket.
Q: Could he have been a rugby player?
A: He had a real toughness about him, was very skilful and a great competitor. I’m sure if he’d have given rugby a bit of a crack, he’d have done pretty well
Q: What are your plans after rugby?
A: I’m not too sure. I quite enjoy the commercial aspect of the sport, even helping young players with the transition into the game doing things I could have done better. I’ve learnt a lot about playing at the highest level.
Q: What’s the greatest lesson you’d teach?
A: For me it’s about enjoying rugby and, with the commercial side, just get in there and enjoy it.
