IN his first interview since signing for Glasgow Rangers Giorgos Efrem believes it is the right move at this stage in his career and hopes that it will lead to breaking into the national team.
The 17-year-old Cypriot midfielder has signed for the Scottish giants from Arsenal on a two-year deal.
Efrem said: “This is a very good prospect for my career and I am happy that I have been given this opportunity with such a big European team.”
When asked how often he thinks he will play, Efrem said that he believes in his own ability.
“If I didn’t believe in myself, I wouldn’t have decided to make this move,” he said
“I will work very hard and believe that I will make it. Sure, there is a lot of competition in the team, which includes players worth millions of euros. It all depends on me and how I will perform.”
Efrem is said to have had offers from Apollon and Panionios and also made it clear that money was not his number one consideration.
“Apollon’s offer was very similar to the one made by Rangers,” he explained. “However, I chose to go to Scotland because I wanted to take a step forward in my career and I am looking forward to the challenge.
“Who knows, at some point I may return to my beloved Apollon and I thank them very much for the offer which they made and I wish them well.
Efrem was with The Gunners for three years, but never made an appearance for the first team.
Nevertheless, he claims to have improved while in North London.
“I will take away with me a lot of experiences. Even playing in the reserves, the level and quality of play is very high.”
He did train with the first team though, likening the experience to living the dream.
“Anybody training with such world-famous players can only take positives out of the experience,” he said.
He describes himself as a pacy player with a good range of passing. “I would say that my position is that of a playmaker. I am also aware that I will need to improve the defensive side to my game.”
When asked what his future ambitions are, Efrem didn’t hold back. “My aim is to play regularly for Rangers in the Scottish championship as well as the Champions League. Additionally, every player’s dream is to represent their country and I am no different.”
Arsenal academy chief Liam Brady has backed Efrem to be a big hit in Scotland.
“George is absolutely someone who could go on and have success with Rangers,” he said.
“He’s a busy and technical player and it was a tough decision whether or not to let him go. We always hope our lads are given a foundation that enables them to come good.”
He explained that Rangers asked permission to let Efrem train with them a couple of times and he impressed enough to get signed up.
“He’s not going to be someone tackling back all game, but he has flair and imagination and we wish him well.
“Maybe he is a little on the small side but then he’s not 18 yet. I’ve spoken to the people at Rangers and he’s not going straight into their first-team squad by any means. But if he can get himself stronger and get used to Scottish football, then he could certainly make an impression.”
