Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Kamberi defends Hibs talk
FLORIAN KAMBERI has hit back at claims he disrespected Hibs and their fans after his comments following his Rangers loan switch sparked fury among the Easter Road faithful.
The Swiss-born Albanian international striker gushed about his move to the Light Blues and claimed it had been his dream to play for Gers since he played at Ibrox in only his second game for Hibs.
But with 18 months still left on his Hibs contract and with no option-to-buy clause in his six-month loan deal, Kamberi came in for huge criticism for punters and pundits.
Former Hibs midfielder and BBC radio pundit Michael Stewart blasted his comments as “ludicrous” and “stupid”.
But Kamberi, who came off the bench to make his Rangers debut in
Saturday’s scoreless draw at home to Aberdeen, defended himself as he admitted it could be difficult to return to Hibs if he doesn’t move to Gers permanently.
The frontman claimed he was being honest with his ambition and said: “I understand that the fans thought I was being disrespectful.
“But when I was at Hibs I gave 100% in every game and didn’t think about any other club. I was never disrespectful because Hibs fans were amazing with me since day one.
“Of course it could make it difficult if and when I go back but they wouldn’t have been happy with any player going to Hibs from Rangers, even without those comments.
“But I’m an ambitious guy and I have the possibility to play in this big club and I’m doing what any normal, ambitious young footballer would do.”