Rangers loanee Ianis Hagi hits back after frequent questioning of his ACL injury
Rangers loanee Ianis Hagi has revealed his frustration regarding frequent questioning of his fitness, claiming he doesn’t “want to discuss it anymore”.
As reported in FootballScotland (13 September), Hagi, who is currently on loan with La Liga side Alaves, hit back after again being questioned about his fitness, with an ACL injury keeping him off the pitch for over a year [Transfermarkt].
Speaking while away on international duty with Romania, Hagi suggested he is “100 per cent ready” to play, while only his statistics can trump his “amazing” physicality.
As quoted by FootballScotland, Hagi said: “The injury was 10 months ago. I’m 100 per cent ready. I have played matches. Physically, I’m amazing. My stats are even better. I don’t want to discuss anymore.”
Understandable reaction?
It must be frustrating as a footballer to get asked the same questions over and over again. That being said, it is par for the course for most professional athletes.
His severe ACL injury must have been a tough and potentially traumatic time for the Romanian, who has since found himself surplus to requirements at Ibrox and shipped out on loan.
“He is a player I have a strong relationship with on a personal level”, Michael Beale admitted of Hagi earlier his summer, as quoted by The Scotsman (21 August). “His desire is that he wants to be a main starter and start every game and no one has that guarantee here at Rangers.”
His injury certainly set his career off track, but he will hope his loan move to La Liga can prove as a second chance. Still only 24 years old, there is plenty of scope for a resurgence back at Ibrox.
His frustration at repeat questioning is understandable. It’s likely a chapter of his life he wants to move away from, but the Romanina certainly backs himself to reach his full potential.
In other Rangers news, a European club are eyeing a pre-contract deal with a Gers international.