RANGERS FORWARD EXPLAIN LOAN MOVE

Rangers winger Serge Atakayi recently joined Finland outfit Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho also known as SJK on a loan move until the end of the season this week. The 21-year-old has revealed that he specifically demanded a loan move from the club.

The forward speaking to SJK website admitted that the lure of first-team football was at the forefront of the loan move. Atakayi has injured an injury curtailed career at the Ibrox side as he suffered an ankle injury on his debut last November.

The injury kept him out of action for four months which has reduced his involvement with the first team this season. He believes that he can be able to reach full match fitness away from the pressure of the top flight in Scotland.

SJK also had a part to play in the move as the Finnish side was understood to be monitoring the player all through the January transfer window. Furthermore, Atakayi is well acquainted with SJK manager Alexei Eremenko who he considers a father figure.
In the interview, the 20-year-old revealed that Rangers knew nothing about the SJK and he had to convince the Scottish giants that the club was one of the top clubs in Finland.

“Atakayi is viewed as one for the future in Rangers and there have been reports that the loan move was designed to get him in the best possible shape ahead of next season. Gerrard is known for promoting young talents and Atakayi “admitted that the Liverpool legend thinks highly of him.

Atakayi is familiar with the Finnish league as he spent his childhood days at FF Jaro before moving to Rangers three seasons ago. The 20-year-old has 18 months left in his current contract at Rangers and would be looking to push his way into the first team next season.