Ryan Jack, a former Rangers star, recently made a move to TFF First League club Esenler Erokspor in Istanbul on a two-year deal. As he settles into his new team, he has shared his insights on the challenges of moving abroad to play football, particularly the language barriers and cultural differences he has encountered.
During an interview on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast with Tom English and Liam Macleod, Jack expressed his excitement about the new chapter in his career. He mentioned that he had always considered the idea of playing abroad after leaving Rangers and is pleased with his decision to do so.
One of the main obstacles Jack faced upon arrival was the language barrier. He revealed that the manager and coaching staff at his new club do not speak English fluently, and many of his Turkish teammates also have limited English proficiency. This made communication a challenge in the initial days, prompting the club to provide him with a translator to facilitate interactions.
Despite the initial struggles, Jack commended the efforts of everyone at the club to make him feel welcome and assist him in overcoming the language barriers. He mentioned that the coaching staff and players are making an effort to learn English to improve communication, which has helped him settle in and adapt to the new environment.
In addition to the language challenges, Jack highlighted the cultural differences between Glasgow and Istanbul. He acknowledged that the football style and cultural norms in Turkey are distinct from what he was accustomed to in Scotland. However, he embraced the opportunity to experience a new culture and city, describing Istanbul as a great place to live.
Overall, Jack remains optimistic about his transition to playing football in a foreign country and is enjoying the learning process. He emphasized the importance of effective communication in building relationships with his new teammates and adapting to the unfamiliar surroundings. With the support of the club and his willingness to embrace the changes, Jack is looking forward to making the most of his time at Esenler Erokspor and hopes for a successful stint in Turkey.
