Malmo midfielder Erdal Rakip has told the Swedish media he’s been able to develop as a player following his spells with Benfica and Crystal Palace.
The Swede was loaned to the Eagles during the second half of last season but never made an appearance during his time in England.
Speaking to Expressen, Rakip was asked about his experience playing abroad: “I became another person over there. I have learned to cope with myself and become an adult. I am the same type of player, but I’ve developed the strong qualities I had before. I have built myself physically and become stronger as well. I have burned a little fat and built up the muscles.”
Rakip signed for Benfica during the 2018 winter transfer window but was instantly loaned to Crystal Palace after joining the Portuguese giants, it a move which seemed strange at the time and still seems strange now.
It soon became apparent this was a bizarre transfer for the player as he didn’t make an appearance for Crystal Palace, making the bench just four times.
He returned to Benfica last summer but after playing no games for the club he joined Malmo in the last transfer window.
However, it seems from his comments he’s taken positives from spending a year in Portugal and England.
ND
