The noises coming out of the Vaclav Cerny camp suggest that – while the Wolfsburg loanee is ‘really happy’ with life at Rangers – this is a relationship destined to burn bright but brief.
Rangers do not have an option or obligation-to-buy clause in Vaclav Cerny’s contract.
Even if they did, the £7 million fee Wolfsburg reportedly want would take an almighty chunk out of their summer budget; San Francisco 49ers takeover or no San Francisco 49ers takeover.
Last week, Cerny’s agent confirmed interest from clubs in France and Italy. A return to one of Europe’s major leagues is beckoning. And it’s an opportunity a winger with 17 goals across all competitions is more than deserving of.
Vaclav Cerny opens up on pros and cons of Rangers spell
A footballer of Cerny’s supreme technical ability always felt destined to look a cut above the rest in the Scottish game. With all due respect to the remainder of the Premiership, the former Ajax wonderkid has at times resembled an elder sibling dancing around his kid brother in the local park.
Speaking to Czech publication Idnes ahead of this month’s World Cup qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Gibraltar, Vaclav Cerny admitted that he would like to stay at Rangers for at least one more season.
He is ‘really happy’ at Ibrox. That ‘unforgettable’ Europa League triumph over Fenerbahce at a ‘magical’ Ibrox will live long in the memory of a player who set the Gers on their way with a brace in the first leg.
Yet, as is often the case in modern football, money talks.
Though, if this is indeed destined to be Cerny’s final two months as a Rangers player, he will depart with plenty of fondness for the club who put his career back on track, even a poor campaign from a domestic standpoint remains a source of frustration.
“I’m still on the pitch, and on the European scene,” Cerny says. “I’m doing well statistically. But, in terms of chances for trophies, we’re not having an optimal year in Scotland. [Winning silverware] is simply expected of Rangers.
“But I want to do my best to help myself and the club achieve the best possible result, and also to maintain my form in Europe. Then, I dare say that I’ve set off on a very strong season individually.”
Earlier this week, the technical director of the Moroccan Football Federation said Philippe Clement deserves a lot of credit for Hamza Igamane’s fantastic breakout season in Scotland. Cerny is also keen to pay tribute to a man who, while departing Rangers following a poor run of results in February, helped put the foundations in place for another deep run in Europe.
Cerny thanks Philippe Clement and discusses Arjen Robben comparisons
“Fortunately, I had the right people with me at the right time, who brought me to Rangers. A huge thank you goes to the assistants and coach Clement, who was there at the beginning of the season,” adds Cerny.
“He gave me a position that suited me well. He gave me space and freedom at a big club. I’m very happy that things are finally the way they should be.
“It’s an example of the cliche that, when you know what you’re going for, the light will meet you again on the way through the darkness. It’s all the sweeter, more pleasant, and you’re all the more down to earth when things are going well.
“That’s what I’m experiencing at the moment. And I’m enjoying it a lot.”
As is often the case when it comes to left-footed wingers who like to drift in off the right, comparisons were drawn between Vaclav Cerny and Arjen Robben last week. By none other than Ivan Hasek, head coach of the Czech national team no less.
Like the Bayern Munich legend, what Cerny lacks in hair, he makes up for in talent, skill and a penchant for the spectacular.
“Our hairstyles are really similar,” Cerny laughs when those Robben comparisons are brought up.
“But don’t think, I don’t get anything from that comparison at all. I know very well what the coach meant. It’s because of the position and the fact that my game is also based on looking for opportunities to go and use my left foot.”
