Victor Wanyama has revealed how some kickings at home have helped shape him into one of the top midfielders in Europe.
The Celtic star has caught the attention of the continent following his displays against Barcelona where he earned the praise of the Catalan masters.
In an interview with Champions Magazine for matchday four of the Champions League Wanyama gives an insight into the people that shaped his career at a formative age.
“Playing football against my brothers, who were bigger and older, wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “Whenever I lost I sulked for the whole week. That’s where I learned to fight.
“My brothers always played hard and kicked [me], but I had to take it and carry on. Sometimes it was difficult, but I guess that’s what made me who I am now.
“I used to watch the Premier League and saw a lot of Paul Scholes, Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane. It was great seeing how they played, their passion.”
Wanyama set the ball rolling for Celtic’s current campaign winning the ball in the centre of the park to set up Gary Hooper for the opening goal away to Spartak Moscow.
The double-header with Barcelona highlighted the influence of the 21-year-old to a global audience with Wanyama delighted by the impact that the hoops have made on the blue riband tournament.
“We’ve been working hard as a group and defending well,” he added. “When opponents don’t score, then you have a chance and we have the players to do that.
“Winning away in Moscow was the greatest night since I’ve been at Celtic, for me, and the whole team. Everybody in the dressing room was jumping round, celebrating, screaming – it was unreal.
“It was perfect: the music was there and everybody was dancing- one of the best nights ever.
“We learned against Barça that we have to keep the ball and try to break them down on the counter. That’s something we’re good at and if we do it well, we’ll get results against many teams.”
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