Gills new recruit ready for challenges ahead
Gills new signing Amine Linganzi says playing for the reigning League Two Champions was too good an opportunity to turn down.
The 23-year-old Congolese international midfielder signed a two-year deal earlier in the month and took part in his first training session with his new team-mates on Wednesday, and he is very much looking forward to the new season.
Speaking exclusively to the club’s official website he said:
“First of all I have joined the Champions of League Two so it was a great opportunity for me to come up with them.
“I had some opportunities in France and England but I wanted to stay here because the football here is different and with a big stadium it was an opportunity to step forward.
“I was lucky because I was at Accrington and played 13 games so when the gaffer called me I was surprised, but I want to go forward with Gillingham.”
Amine revealed that although he had chances to return to France he very much wanted to remain in England due to the atmosphere and the loyal support that fans offer.
He added: “The atmosphere in England makes me feel happy when I’m playing and that’s the difference!
“When I came in to the stadium I felt the power of the club and when I played against Gillingham I loved the fans and I was very impressed with the atmosphere.”
The former Blackburn Rovers player revealed what his main strengths are and recalled the game earlier in the year when Matt Fish's goal was enough to secure a 1-0 win for the Gills at MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
He added: “I’m powerful and when you are tall it is rare that players are technically good on the ball and I’m lucky because I’m good at that!
"It was a really nice goal - we did our best to score after that but we found it very difficult."
Finally Linganzi said he has settled in well with the rest of the players and sees no reason why they cannot at least challenge for a second successive promotion.
He said: “I’ve never met them but they are a nice group of players and I’ll get to know them better during pre-season.
“In football everything is possible – Swansea did it, so why not Gillingham?”
You can watch Amine’s exclusive interview via Gills Player by clicking here.
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