Rapid Bucharest forward Emmanuel Ernest has told SCORENigeria that he is aiming to win the league in Romania and as well score loads of goals for the traditional club.
The 20-year-old Liberia-Born Nigerian said he is delighted to join the club and hopes the fans return to the stadium soon to cheer them to glory.
The interview –
SCORENIGERIA: How did you start your career?
EMMANUEL ERNEST: I started on the streets like all kids in Africa playing street football with my bare foot in Ikotun.
I was later advised to join an academy if I really wanted to take football as a career. My grandfather got me my first jersey, which was a Real Madrid jersey, and boots.
How did the breakthrough come?
While playing at the academy in Lagos, I got my big break when coach Benjamin Ibitime James (coach of Hoffenheim U15s) scouted me, that was the springboard I needed. He introduced me to the agent who brought me to Romania.
Who are the clubs you have played for?
I played for CASA Academy in Nigeria before I joined Sporting Rosiori de Vede in Romania.
How did it feel to join a big club like Rapid Bucharest?
Rapid are a big club with a lot of history and with the best fans in Romania. I feel very good to join a club like that. The fans, supporters, team mates, officials all encourage me. They have welcomed me with open arms.
How has it been playing without fans in the stands?
Football without fans is not the same, the glamour is not the same. I am so happy to play here, but I continue to pray this pandemic will go so that the fans will return.
What are your targets?
We are playing to win the league to take the club back to the top, where they belong.
What position do you play?
I play as a centre-forward, left winger and sometimes right winger or support striker.
Who are your role models?
I have a lot players who I respect, learn from, the likes of Didier Drogba, Lukaku, Hulk. I adore Cristiano Ronaldo most because he made me believe that with hard work, self-belief and dedication you can achieve anything you set your mind on.
Any main targets?
I hope to win the league and get my club to gain promotion. Also want to score at least 15 goals in the remaining 12 games. I scored four goals with four assists in eight games last season.
Thank you.
You are welcome.
