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Jul 05, 2009 Edition
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Jetsetter Mo fastens seatbelt for turbulent start to Ibrox career
 
Yankee holler...American signing can't wait to pull on a Rangers jersey for the first time
Yankee holler...American signing can't wait to pull on a Rangers jersey for the first time
 

MO EDU has jetted from China to the United States, over to Scotland, back to Guatemala and on to Canada in four gruelling flights within the last 10 days.

But the international jetsetter has revealed he is looking forward to finally touching down on terra firma in Glasgow within the next 48 hours and kicking off the latest stage of his football career.

Toronto midfielder Edu has put pen to paper on a five year deal with Rangers and, after getting his work permit granted, he could make his debut in the Old Firm game at Parkhead on Saturday.

Taking part in that world-famous fixture against Celtic would round off a whirlwind couple of weeks for the 22-year-old who has just finished competing for his country in the Olympic Games.

"It's been nuts, totally crazy," Mo admitted. "I've been all over the place. When I was out in China I heard a little buzz about a move to Rangers. As the tournament progressed a little bit, I heard the interest was growing and it was possible they might make a bid.

"When I got back from Beijing my agent told me the bid had been accepted and they were waiting on approval from the MLS. I was really excited.

"It has always been a dream of mine to play European football. To have a chance to play for a club like Rangers is a dream come true.

"I went over to Scotland and saw the city, was shown around the facilities and met the manager. I also took in the Hearts game. Then I flew down to Guatemala for a World Cup qualifier. I'm really hoping things work out for me."

Edu, who has cost Rangers boss Walter Smith £2.7million, is unconcerned about the arrival of fellow midfielders Aaron, Steven Davis and Pedro Mendes at Ibrox in the last fortnight.

In fact, the man who was recommended to Smith by former Gers striker and current Toronto director of football Maurice Johnston, reckons having that sort of competition for a jersey will help him to improve as a player.

He said: "In this transfer window Rangers have signed quite a few good midfielders. The bar has been set. It is now up to me to go out there and prove my worth.

"I think it is important to be in an environment like that. That is going to force you to play at your best and improve your game. It should bring out the best in you. It is definitely a challenge, but it is one that I am up for.

"In an ideal world, a perfect world, you would go into the team at a new club straight away. But you have to be realistic and look at the situation you are going into. Rangers are a great side and they have just brought in some talented players.

"You can't expect to start every game. I'm just going to try and make the decision for the manager as difficult as possible. Hopefully, things will work out."

Edu, though, already reckons he will enjoy living in Glasgow after being knocked out by the reception he got during a whistlestop tour of the city earlier on this month.

He remembered: "The people really welcomed me. Even when I got to the airport people were asking me if I had signed.

"As I took a cab around the city the driver was asking me if I had signed. You don't get that in other places.

"It gave me a glimpse of what to expect in Scotland. When I got to the stadium the fans started going crazy and applauding me and trying to get their pictures taken with me. I was overwhelmed."

After watching the 2-0 victory over the Jambos, former MLS Rookie of the Year Edu is convinced he can be a success in Scottish football despite its unique physical nature.

He said: "I think my style of play will fit in with the SPL. It is the type of league where you are going to have games that are more rugged and you have to be up for the battle. I'm prepared for that.

"I'll get stuck into tackles, win balls and break up plays.

"I just need to work on everything, my tackles, my ability in the air, my long balls and my shots. But I am eager to develop and to continue to improve."

Publication date 26/08/08

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