Chris Rigg interview: One defender asked if I was still being breastfed

Telegraph

07-05-2025

'I'm a first-team regular at 17 and I've progressed so much,' he adds. 'I always had the confidence and the ability, but it was very naive. I've still got a hell of a lot to learn. I played a lot at the back end of last season and made mistakes. I've got better and the manager [Régis Le Bris] has put his trust in me.
'I've got a lot of hard work ahead of me, especially if I'm going to get where I want to be. I want to get to the very top. I've not achieved anything in the game. The first thing is to try and get promoted. If we can win the play-offs, yeah I can say I've achieved something. I want to play for my country, I want to win things. I want to play in the Premier League for Sunderland, that has always been the dream.'
There is, however, an elephant in the room. Given where he is from, there have always been questions about Rigg's background. In short, is he a Newcastle fan playing for their biggest rivals?
It is not a question Rigg has answered publicly before. Initially, he is reluctant to do so, knowing the potential risks attached. After a moment's reflection, he decides it is time to tackle it.
'I think my dad's a secret Mackem now'
'The best decision I made was coming to Sunderland,' he replies. 'For them to put me in the team at 15, I don't think many would take that risk. It's been so important for me. I could have signed for Premier League clubs and not played anywhere near the number of games.
'If you look at the England squad, virtually all of them have played in the EFL at some point, whether that was on loan or starting their career in the lower leagues. It's sped up my progress undoubtedly.
'Sunderland are my club, I've been here my whole life. I come from a family of Newcastle fans, there is no point hiding that, but it changes when you play for Sunderland in front of those fans.
'My family being Newcastle fans has no impact on me, it doesn't change the way I feel about Sunderland. The fans have been unbelievable. They could have thought, 'Nah, he's a Newcastle fan' or whatever, but I think I've shown what this club means to me. It's not really a debate.
'My dad gives me a little bit of stick, but he comes to all Sunderland's games. I think he is a secret Mackem now. He puts his son above everything, he loves watching me and he absolutely loves coming to our games.'
How long Rigg will stay at Sunderland remains to be seen. He has already been linked with moves to Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur, and, yes, Newcastle too.
'I don't listen to any of the speculation,' he replies. 'I've got far more important things to worry about, like trying to get Sunderland promoted.'
If Sunderland can win promotion there are no doubts he will stay, but his ambition is obvious and he points to the pathway led by another former Sunderland youngster Jordan Henderson.
'If you look at the career he has had, Jordan has captained Liverpool, he's won the Premier League, the Champions League.
'He has played for England at the World Cup and the Euros. I'd love all those things. He has shown what is possible for someone who starts at Sunderland and he's definitely a role model for me. I've never spoken to him, but I would love to.
'Then you have Jordan Pickford, too, lots of players have started at Sunderland and gone on to have amazing careers. They are an example for me to follow, just as I hope I can be a role model to the kids who are coming through the academy now.'