Everton new-boy Sandro hoping to learn as much from Wayne Rooney as he did Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol
EVERTON new-boy Sandro has revealed he is hoping to learn as much from Wayne Rooney as he did Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
The former Barcelona forward, 22, wants his football mentoring to continue under England and Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer.
Sandro linked-up with the big-spending Toffees earlier this summer in a £5.25million deal from Malaga - before revealing he has been "very lucky" in his career so far.
The Spaniard said: "I have been very lucky so far in my career.
"First I played alongside Messi and now it is Wayne Rooney. They are two of the biggest names in football history.
"From the first day here, Wayne was really kind to me. He has showed a real desire to help me and I think it is great to see that.
"For me, as a player, it is an opportunity to learn from one of the top players. It was the same at Barcelona, where I think I learnt a lot.
"La Masia instils values for life as a person as much as for football.
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"I learnt so many things from the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol – players with so much stature and experience of top-level football.
"You are learning from these guys every minute you're with them."
Sandro kicked-off his career at Barca, going on to make 17 appearances in La Liga, scoring twice.
The Spain Under-21 international then spent one season in Malaga, where he netted 14 times in just 30 league games.