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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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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sporting Lisbon1111003953433
2Porto119022882027
3Benfica108112872125
4Santa ClaraSanta Clara117041412221
5Braga116231911820
6Vitoria de GuimaraesGuimaraes115331211118
7FamalicaoFamalicao11452129317
8MoreirenseMoreirense115241514117
9Casa Pia113441014-413
10Rio AveRio Ave113351020-1012
11Gil Vicente112451419-510
12Estoril PraiaEstoril11245816-810
13AVS11245919-1010
14BoavistaBoavista11236715-89
15Estrela Amadora112361020-109
16Nacional10226615-98
17AroucaArouca11227619-138
18SC FarenseFarense11128518-135


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