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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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