Fashion Sakala has yet to step foot onto the park at Ibrox or don the famous Light Blue shirt, and yet, he is fast becoming a fans favourite.
An interview has appeared on Twitter in which he reveals what Steven Gerrard said to him to persuade him to turn down the Premier League and Ligue 1 and shows a fascinating insight into the Zambian international’s personality.
Sakala Jr loving the sweet talk from the Gaffer. Show me a better interview from a player who hasn’t played a single minute! 💙 pic.twitter.com/XDwF4ybPKt
— Gremio Bear (@Disco_DG) June 7, 2021
The free transfer from Oostende has enjoyed a productive season in Belgium and with other offers on the table it was always going to be a tough sell turning down some of Europe’s bigger leagues for the SPFL, however, this is exactly what Gerrard did with some smooth talking, as told by Sakala:
“He can see something big coming for me.”
“He (Gerrard) said, ‘very few players have your qualities, and I have seen a lot of payers who have made it in European football who do not have your qualities. with your qualities I believe you can make it to the top’.
“At that time I felt caught, but I didn’t tell him!”
High praise indeed but again, it just goes to show the pulling power that Gerrard has, in the interview it is clear that the player and interviewer have the Gers gaffer on a pedestal, a true “legend” of world football.
There can’t be many players who have looked as excited about joining Rangers as Sakala, that his international manager didn’t select him to allow him to join up for pre-season is also a huge benefit, especially when you consider that he could be thrown in at the deep end for the Champions League qualifiers where, hopefully, he will continue his journey to the top by firing us into the group stages.