Zidane was great, but I only had eyes for Riquelme - Pastore

Argentina midfielder Javier Pastore looked to Zinedine
Zidane for inspiration, but was influenced more by
compatriot Juan Roman Riquelme.

Paris Saint-Germain's Javier Pastore has spoken of the
influence that Zinedine Zidane and Juan Roman Riquelme have
had in shaping his style of play.

The Argentine provided the second highest number of assists in
Ligue 1 last season with 12, a number bettered only by former
Marseille man Dimitri Payet.

It is an aspect of the game that the 26-year-old, who looked to
the likes of Zidane and Riquelme for inspiration as a youngster,
takes immense pride in.

However, it is his compatriot that he seeks to emulate more
than the former France international.

"I have always worshipped playmakers. The elegance of Zidane
influenced me a lot, but, when I was small, I only had eyes for
Riquelme," Pastore told Le Journal du Dimanche.

"I watched with my eyes glued to the television screen the
relationship he created with his striker.

"Through him, I discovered the gesture I love the most: the pass.
He was an idol in South America.

"He revived the role of the central playmaker. I am very far from
his influence on the game. I long to get as close as possible."

Despite an impressive 2014-15 at the Parc des Princes, Pastore
has started just five of PSG's nine Ligue 1 fixtures this season.

He admitted to being disappointed at seeing his role in the side
reduced, but feels that improving on his tally of five league
goals last season could be the key to his return.

"I do not understand but I have to accept it and work more to
convince him to bring me back into the starting line-up for the
Champions League," Pastore added.

"I'm in Paris to participate in big events, so hopefully I will start
against Real Madrid [on October 21].

"My statistics are satisfactory but I have to score more. In the
last three league games I made three assists, but the coach still
put me on the bench against [Shakhtar] Donetsk."

The Argentine's ultimate goal, however, is to enjoy success on
the highest continental stage with PSG.

"It would be a stain on my career here not to lift the Champions
League," Pastore said.

"The club has done everything to provide the means."