Former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger believes he could have matched Erling Haaland’s success if he’d made better lifestyle choices.
Ranger, who burst onto the scene at Newcastle when they earned promotion to the Premier League at 18, expressed his potential regrets.
His career veered off the expected trajectory, leading to loan spells at Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday. Since then, he has had spells for several clubs across England, including Swindon, Blackpool, Southend, Spalding, and Boreham Wood.
Ranger, now 32, claims that he had the talent to reach the top level and draws parallels with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who played a pivotal role in the team’s European and English treble-winning season, scoring 52 goals.
Former Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger has played in England's top five divisions, served two jail terms, battled a gambling addiction and had contracts ripped up by numerous clubs.
He tells @TBurrows16 about his life and career.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 9, 2023
However, Ranger acknowledges that his attitude and reluctance to heed early career advice were detrimental. “There needs to be a movie on my life because it’s a real one, it’s an interesting one,” he shared with The Athletic. “I have players coming to me saying, ‘What happened? What’s wrong with you? With your talent, what are you doing?’ I made my bed and now I have to lie in it.
“I feel frustrated, I know what I can do but it’s deeper than that because I’ve had so many chances. I didn’t take in the advice.”
Ranger believes he would have been at least a Championship-level player at this point in his career had he incorporated better nutrition and behaviour. “I should be minimum Championship right now. I shouldn’t be having problems, but I didn’t listen. If I added nutrition to my game and behaviour, I’m Haaland. But I didn’t want to listen. I thought I knew it all.”
He also revealed the influence of his mother in his life, describing her as his life coach. Despite potential disappointments about his career trajectory, she maintains a positive outlook.
Currently a free agent after departing from Boreham Wood, Ranger is confident in his abilities and eager to secure a new club. “I know I’m very good at football. People can play to 38 or 39. I can still play. I want to get back, then I can climb. I’ve got to go and show what I can do, or I’m going to get to an age where I can’t move. It catches up with you.”
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