“I’ve always admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol; He motivates me to keep working hard”- Spezia star Emmanuel Gyasi


“I’ve always admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol; He motivates me to keep working hard”- Spezia star Emmanuel Gyasi

In an interview with GOAL.com, Spezia star Emmanuel Gyasi highlighted that Cristiano Ronaldo has inspired him a lot in playing in the top European Leagues. Gyasi has been able to adapt to what Cristiano Ronaldo has inspired him to become, with his being, “with hard work nothing is impossible.” 

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Gyasi met Ronaldo in a match last year in Turin where Juventus faced Spezia. On the way to the dressing room, he saw Ronaldo moving towards him to have a few words and also a jersey exchange. 

“I was just thinking, ‘How is this even possible? A big legend, a global icon like Ronaldo, waiting for me… Wow!’ I was lost for words! After we had played Juve for the first time at home, I had gone up to him and told him that he was a big inspiration to me and so many other up-and-coming players,” said Gyasi.

“He was so nice. He smiled and told me to continue working hard to make my dreams come true. It was a lovely moment, as I’ve always admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol,” added the Spezia star.

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Gyasi further stressed that Ronaldo has an “incredible” quality of doing everything perfectly, claiming that the Portuguese star becomes quite “angry and disappointed” whenever he misses an opportunity, a thing that the Spezia star.

 “Look at him when he misses even just one chance – he’s so angry and disappointed. It’s incredible. How do you maintain that level of desire? He just never stops. He wants to break a new record in every game. That’s what keeps him going. So, for me, as a player, watching him is an inspiration. He motivates me to keep working hard,” mentioned Gyasi.

Emmanuel Gyasi received a signed Cristiano Ronaldo jersey on his 100th appearance for Spezia in 2021

Gyasi at Spezia in Serie A

The Ghana International signed for Spezia in 2016 after many rejections from Torino and other clubs. He was signed as a striker and started playing in Serie B to develop himself as a footballer and to get game times. 

Spezia released him for his better to Pistoiese and Sudtirol on loan which proved to be the turning point in his career. Gyasi then came back to Spezia and became a regular player and qualified for Serie A by defeating Frosinone in the play-off final with Gyasi’s goal proving to be the matchwinner. 

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He received a signed Ronaldo jersey after he made his 100th appearance for his club in 2021.

Also Read: Manchester United begins its quest for a possible replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, Uruguayan youngster Darwin Nunez might take the striker’s place next season