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Cyriel Dessers has revealed he was never regarded as a “big, big talent” as he looked to forge a career in professional football.
The Rangers striker was late to turn professional and spent the early stages of his career at mid-table clubs in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Dessers, 29, only first started to attract major attention when he joined Genk in 2020 before a successful loan spell at Feyenoord where he was the top scorer in the Europa Conference League with the club.
“When this club is in full force, you really realise how big Rangers is, it’s massive, it’s unbelievable.”
For Dessers, the tough journey to reach the upper levels as a professional has served him well.
“I was never regarded as a big, big talent – this path actually made me stronger and made me who I am now.
“It is not a sprint, it is a marathon and I think my career is one of the best examples of that.
“I became a pro football player quite late,” he added in a UEFA Europa League feature.
“I saw the other side of life that is why I try to enjoy the special moments in football even more.
“The things you can do, the places you can see, it obviously makes it special.”
Former coach Joseph Bijloos said, “Cyriel’s journey has been challenging because he’s always been underestimated.
“His talents didn’t always receive the praise they deserved.
“Despite all the setbacks, he’s always managed to bounce back. That’s very typical of his character.”
Dessers smiled, “There are so many good football players in the world but how many can say they played in a European final?”