Ryan Gauld: 'Cristiano Ronaldo inspired me to join Sporting Lisbon'

Scottish starlet Ryan Gauld has revealed that he snubbed a move to the Premier League and joined Sporting Lisbon because he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Nani.

The 19-year-old, who had reportedly been linked to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, joined the Portuguese giants from Dundee United in a £3m deal last summer.

Gauld told Match of the Day Magazine: "Sporting have got a good track record with really good, young players.

"Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani all came from here, so I knew they must have the coaches to develop world class players. That's why I'm here so I guess it did play a part."

Ronaldo came through the ranks at Sporting before earning a move to Manchester United in 2003, while England defender Eric Dier began his career in Portugal before joining Tottenham Hotspur.