I was compared to Cristiano Ronaldo as a teenager and I dream of playing alongside him, says new Rangers ace Fabio Silva
NEW Rangers signing Fabio Silva dreams of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo after being compared to his legendary countryman.
The highly-rated Portuguese under-21 forward became Philippe Clement’s first signing since taking the reins at Ibrox after arriving from Wolves on a loan until the summer.
He cost £35million when he moved to the Midlands three years ago after bursting onto the scene with Porto.
Some likened Silva to Ronaldo, 38, who also made his name as a teenager with rival Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon before enjoying one of football’s greatest ever careers.
Addressing the comparisons, Silva told Goal in 2021: “The comparison came from looking at my career when I was in the Under-17 team and then in the U19s.
“They then made a comparison with Cristiano at that age.
"He's a reference point, and seeing my name linked with his is a source of pride, it's gratifying, regardless of the circumstances.
"I would like to play with him one day and, if possible, share the same dressing room.”
And earlier this year he doubled down on his dream.
He said: “My idol has always been Cristiano Ronaldo.
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“'I would like to play or be able to share a moment with him, so that he can give me some advice.”
Silva arrives in Glasgow after being sent out on loan to Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven last season.
The striker told the Rangers website: “I am very happy, when I spoke to people about Glasgow and about Rangers, everyone told me good things about the club and the history.
"I played here once with Porto in the Europa League, so I already know the warm club, the environment and the stadium, so everything is perfect.
"I am very happy to be here, and I can't wait to start training with the team.”
Silva's loan switch to Ibrox has the backing of some high-profile names.
Xavi Simons, an ex-PSV Eindhoven team-mate and a former Rangers target himself, wrote in response to Silva's tweet announcing the move: "Enjoy your game, play now!!!"
Old Wolves team-mate and now £53m Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes simply replied "Go!" in Portuguese.
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And Aberdeen's Duk, a former sparring partner in the Portuguese youth ranks at Benfica and Porto, added: "See you soon pal."
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