Palmer preaches gospel of Kaka on road to the Rangers first team
AS a midfielder and, more importantly, a man, Kaka is the perfect role model for Cammy Palmer to look up to, to take inspiration from both on and off the park.
At the peak of his powers, the Brazilian was one of the finest players in the world, a playmaker who scaled the heights for club and country. The dazzling dribbles and sensational strikes immediately caught the eye, but Palmer has another reason to admire the former AC Milan and Real Madrid superstar.
For Palmer, Kaka’s faith was as inspiring as his football. He may never match the Brazilian’s achievements in the game, but the Rangers midfielder, currently on loan at Partick Thistle, will always look at the way his idol led his life and shaped his career.
“I picked him out as my favourite player because I am a Christian and I look at the way he played and how he talked openly about his faith,” Palmer said. “He spoke about having faith not only off the pitch but on the pitch as well and I think he is such a good example for me, or anyone, to follow.
“At one point, he was one of the best players in the world and he showed what a high level you can play at. You don’t need to be arrogant. You can be humble and still be at the top.
“Watching him play, he was such an exciting player and he used to play with such a freedom. That style was something I would love to emulate and put into my game so he has always been one of my favourites.”
Kaka (below) was undoubtedly blessed with a natural talent, one that he would say was God given. When you saw him in action, at times it was hard to argue.
His boots were stitched with the slogan ‘ God is faithful’, while he wore t-shirts proclaiming ‘I belong to Jesus’ under his top as he achieved huge success in the game.
Palmer’s own faith is shaped by his family and it was his father’s decision to move to Canada when he was just a kid that ultimately lead the midfielder to his beloved Rangers.
His ability was spotted by Andy Kennedy, the former Ibrox striker, at Whitby Soccer Club in Ontario and a trial was arranged when Palmer and his family set up home in Scotland eight years ago.
His career has progressed impressively since then and he still has a chance of achieving his dream and becoming a first-team player with Rangers. His football is still underpinned by his faith.
“It is quite tough
because there are maybe not that many people that are open and that talk about their faith,” Palmer said. “It can be tough at times. “But it is something I want to do more of. Kaka managed to get to such a high level but he was bold, he didn’t forget who he is. I will continue to step out, be bold and be different, I guess.
“My dad is a pastor and we moved over there because of that and he wanted a new experience. He then got a job back here to Scotland.
“It is closer to our family as well. He is the reason why I have gone further with my faith and all of my family have encouraged me to continue to be who I am.”
Since signing on the dotted line with Rangers all those years ago, Palmer has steadily risen through the ranks as he looks to repay the belief that Kennedy and the academy staff put in him.
In June, he was rewarded with a new contract that will keep him at Ibrox until 2021 and a couple of weeks later he moved to Firhill to take the next step in his career.
He is improving and developing professionally with every game. At 19, he is growing personally all the time, too.
“It is hard because there are not a lot of guys that would share their feelings or their views so you can sometimes feel a bit different or that you are doing things differently,” Palmer said.
“But it has helped me to continue to stay strong and not just follow what everyone else is doing. It is something I have developed more and I wouldn’t say I have always been super bold about it.
“Before, I was quite shy and I didn’t want people to say anything or make any jokes or anything like that. But it is something I am trying to be more and more open to and with.” so we moved back
Cammy Palmer is pictured promoting a new Rangers Lotto campaign for the Rangers Youth Development Company. Since 2002, RYDC profits have been directed to Rangers Football Club’s youth programme - with almost £8 million provided so far. For full details on RYDC’s growing portfolio of products – the re-launched Rangers Pools, Rangers Lotto, the Union Jackpot half-time draw, Scratchcards and Stadium Bricks - visit www. rydc.co.uk or call 0141 427 4914.