Rangers target Ridvan Yilmaz revealed he's taking English lessons in football ahead of a dream move to the UK. And he also admits Real Madrid legend Marcelo is the player he models his game on.
The 21-year-old is on Gio van Bronckhorst's radar as he looks to add depth at left-back following Calvin Bassey 's move to Ajax. Besiktas are said to be holding out for £6million, which Rangers are unlikely to pay, but negotiations are ongoing with the player believed to be keen on a move to Ibrox.
It's one step at a time for Yilmaz though and, speaking earlier this season, he revealed he's not getting ahead of himself just yet, He's already a five-time Turkey international and while he wants to emulate Real Madrid serial winner Marcelo one day, he's still getting 'pocket money' from his folks at home for the time being. He said: "I only have one idol in football and that is Marcelo. He is someone I have always admired and I always want to try and play like him. What he has done in his career has been incredible. I love the way he attacks going forward.
"Of course, every player has a goal. Playing in Britain is my biggest dream. I am currently taking two hours of English lessons a day. I think I am at the beginning of my footballing journey really. I have many things to learn. I am improving every day and I am constantly working to make up for my lack of physicality and on my fitness.
"Look, my home is Besiktas. I act in line with the interests of my club. I hear about a lot of interest through my agent. I'd love to one day make money for the club, like Cenk Tosun did when he moved from our club to Everton. I have always said I eventually want to play abroad.
"My ambition was always to become a footballer. I come from a family that plays football. I started playing football thanks to my brother. The older I got, the more serious football became in my life and I had to choose between school and sports and I turned to football.
"I give all the money I earn from football to my family. They manage my investments. They give me pocket money, I manage with it. My family buys everything I need to get."
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