Gary Cahill Interview

ShortList talks Ronaldo, gaming and Simpsons lookalikes with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill

We’ll kick off with the most important question: is David Luiz aware he looks like Sideshow Bob?

He is [laughs]. When he first came over he had no idea about it, but now he definitely knows. We’ve also started calling Cesar [Azpilicueta] ‘The Rat’, on account of him always giving 100 per cent in training; he’s dogged, the best professional ever.

Do things get heated on Chelsea’s training pitch?

It’s rare, but everyone forgets about it the next day and doesn’t hold grudges about a late tackle or anything.

Ryan Giggs recently told us about punishments the younger players get at United. Do you do this?

We recently made a few of the younger lads dance to entertain us. We put music on in the gym, just R&B, and they had to do 30 seconds each.

Apparently, it’s a tradition at Chelsea that new players have to sing a song in front of the rest of the squad. What was yours?

Sexy And I Know It [laughs]. The only reason I chose that is because my voice is horrific.

You’re an ambassador for Rotary. Why do you think the watch is still the ultimate male accessory?

It’s something to show off, but it’s also practical. Some lads wear earrings or chains, but everyone has a watch.

Is it good to have Jose Mourinho back?

Judging by the general feeling from those who worked with him before, it’s like the return of an old friend. He’s very approachable. If you have an issue, you can always knock on the door and speak to him.

Are all the Chelsea players into Fifa?

We’re all into it. I play it online against Danny Sturridge. He’s better than me. Wayne Rooney, too.

Would you play each other as your respective teams?

We go with all sorts of teams, although Chelsea are one of the top teams on there. And if I do play as Chelsea, I put myself upfront, so I can run around and pretend I’m bossing it.

We’ve seen the headlines about Torres and Ba not getting the goals. Do you feel sorry for strikers in those situations?

It’s the same with defenders – if we don’t keep a clean sheet for seven or eight games then we’ll get slated. It comes with the job.

What are your memories of winning the Champions League?

The atmosphere and then the celebrations afterwards. We all went back to the hotel with our families and friends to have quite a few drinks. There was a pool terrace and we were all inside swimming in our suits by the end of the night. All the lads wore their medals to bed.

Let’s talk about England at the World Cup: would you take a semi-final knockout?

We want to go as far as we can. If we go over there with the backing of the country, we can have a right good go at it.

Finally, who is the best player you’ve played against?

Ronaldo. His presence is staggering. Players give him half a yard because they don’t want to go too tight in case he makes you look like a mug. It’s either that or you foul him. I did that on the halfway line once as he turned me. No way was I letting him get away.

Cahill was speaking on behalf of Rotary Watches, Global Official Timekeeper of Chelsea; rotarywatches.com/chelseafc

(Image: PA)