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Ryan Gauld: 'Cristiano Ronaldo inspired me to join Sporting Lisbon'

Scottish starlet Ryan Gauld claims that he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Nani in joining Sporting Lisbon.

Scottish starlet Ryan Gauld has revealed that he snubbed a move to the Premier League and joined Sporting Lisbon because he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Nani.

The 19-year-old, who had reportedly been linked to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, joined the Portuguese giants from Dundee United in a £3m deal last summer.

Gauld told Match of the Day Magazine: "Sporting have got a good track record with really good, young players.

"Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani all came from here, so I knew they must have the coaches to develop world class players. That's why I'm here so I guess it did play a part."

Ronaldo came through the ranks at Sporting before earning a move to Manchester United in 2003, while England defender Eric Dier began his career in Portugal before joining Tottenham Hotspur.

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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Sweden during their World Cup play-off match on November 19, 2013
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sporting Lisbon1010003533230
2Porto109012742327
3Benfica97112461822
4Braga106221771020
5Vitoria de GuimaraesGuimaraes105321210218
6Santa ClaraSanta Clara106041312118
7MoreirenseMoreirense115241514117
8FamalicaoFamalicao10442129316
9Casa Pia10334913-412
10Gil Vicente112451419-510
11BoavistaBoavista10235713-69
12Estoril PraiaEstoril10235816-89
13AVS10235919-109
14Rio AveRio Ave10235820-129
15Nacional9225613-78
16AroucaArouca10217619-137
17Estrela Amadora10136820-126
18SC FarenseFarense10118417-134


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