Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 final between Argentina and France on Sunday evening, Shah Rukh Khan joined English footballer Wayne Rooney to discuss his upcoming film Pathaan and football. The candid chat between the two ranged from their mutual love for the game as well as performing each other’s signature poses.

“Whatever I know of football, I used to watch football with my mom when television came into India, and post that it was always Manchester United, Mr Wayne Rooney and then (David) Beckham. So, big fan! I have come here not to promote the film, or talk about football, but just to sit next to Rooney,” the 57-year-old actor started off the chat.

Shah Rukh shared his excitement about turning into a badass action hero, wearing a bloodsoaked white shirt, in the January 25 release Pathaan. “It’s something I always wanted to do but I think I looked too sweet for it. So I grew myself a beard, now I’ve grown my hair and I built a body,” he said.

Rooney, too, had a number of questions for Shah Rukh Khan starting with, “Who is Pathaan and is he similar to any footballer?”

“Pathaan is the guy you call at the last minute when you’re all tied up and can’t find a solution. When you can’t get a goal, when you’re in trouble, when you need a break, when you need a goal, who are you gonna call? Mr Wayne Rooney,” Shah Rukh Khan answered, winning over Rooney with his wit.

“Who do you think is the GOAT of football?” was Shah Rukh Khan’s next question. Rooney’s reply? “Zlatan Ibrahimović. I think he is a big lad.”

The two also discussed the GOAT debate, touching upon the relentless argument pitching Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo against each other. “To compare such greats who put their whole life (into the game), I think it reduces the impact of what sportsmen do,” Shah Rukh said. The actor had previously tweeted regarding the same during #AskSRK on December 17.

Shah Rukh also revealed that he had once attempted to copy one of Rooney’s signature celebratory poses where he slides through the field. “In Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, I was in a rugby match and I went sliding just like he did and it really hurt my knee,” the actor said.

The candid chat ended with both Shah Rukh and Rooney attempting to copy each other’s signature poses. While Shah Rukh did the running Rooney celebration, Rooney opened up his arms and did the iconic SRK pose.

You can watch the entire chat on the JioCinema app.