Daniel Sturridge makes frank admission: Liverpool striker says he will never be able to become a WWE wrestler

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The harshest of realities has dawned on Daniel Sturridge.

The Liverpool striker has conceded that he can no longer be a professional wrestler.

Sturridge, who was on target for the Reds last night in their 3-0 Europa League semi-final win over Villarreal, has told Sport magazine that he is now too old to emulate his favourite grappler, The Undertaker.

"When you are younger, you don’t understand whether wrestling is real or isn’t real," the 26-year-old said. “But it was just the way in which they went about their business. It was exciting to see, and it was inspiring actually - it was a fun thing to watch."

“I don’t think I’d go that far these days - maybe 15 years ago,” he says. “Them days are gone for me now!”

Sturridge, who had previously spoken about how he had models his fashion on the look of The Undertaker, said after last night's win:

"It was about soaking up the atmosphere and putting on a performance. We had to work our socks off tonight but at the end we got the result we needed and we deserved it.

"I'm grateful to God for all I've been blessed with. There's always going to be ups and downs in football. You're going on the pitch and showing the boys what you're about. Putting your body on the line and being prepared to miss chances.

"If you don't take shots you don't score so it's important just to be on the pitch, playing games and scoring goals for me is a great feeling."