Ryan’s biggest task will be settling in
NADIR CIFTCI has played football in four countries at the age of just 22.
And he believes Ryan Gauld’s biggest challenge after securing his dream he has the biggest language, English, move to Sporting Lisbon is adapting to which is fine because he’ll be able to life in Portugal. speak to the coaches and managers.
Ciftci watched as teenage star Gauld “Getting used to the coaching and the was spirited away from the Tangerines’ football there will be fine because foottrainingbaseinStAndrewslastMonday,
ball is the same everywhere. bound for Lisbon.
“It’s more about life away from footThe Turkish hitman insists that was no surprise, but he believes his former ball being tough to get used to, but I’m team-mate still has plenty of work to do sure he’ll be OK. in order to fulfil his potential. “It’s agreatmoveforRyan. Weallknow
But settling down in a foreign country how good he is – and how good he can at such a tender age willbe.be the first hurdle Gauld must clear. “I didn’t expect it to be so soon, but we
Ciftci said: “Getting used to another all knew it was going to happen for him. culture is the biggest challenge. “When I came to United, the first time
“I hope there are a few players over I saw him playing I remember thinking: there who will help him out. ‘What a player he is.’
“He doesn’t speak Portuguese yet but “Then I heard his age and I couldn’t believe it. I actually thought he was 12 because he looks so young!
“He just needs to keep his head together now and keep working hard. Then he can be anything he wants to be.”
Ciftci admits he dreams of following in Gauld’s footsteps in securing a move to one of Europe’s top clubs.
And he believes Sporting’s swoop on Tannadice proves Dundee United can make his dreams come true.
He said: “It proves you can get a big move if you play well.
“That’s what happens if you play well for Dundee United – you get linked with bigger clubs.
“Of course, you dream about one day making the big step, and hopefully when it comes to you, you’re ready to take it.”