Football League World
·1 June 2022
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·1 June 2022
Following an unsuccessful period with Fulham which included being isolated off the pitch, Cyrus Christie joined Swansea City on loan in the January transfer window.
His move to Wales was much more successful and the 29-year-old made 22 appearances scoring three goals and contributing five assists.
Christie’s contract with the Cottagers expires this summer and with no chance of that being renewed, the right-back will be looking for a fresh move ahead of next season.
Reflecting on his season, Christie told Pundit Arena: “It was tough in the first six months. At times I wasn’t even allowed in the training ground when anyone was in there, and I had to train on my own a lot of the time.
“I was playing out of position as well, as a CDM in midfield under [Marco Silva]. It was very different under him, and he had a lot of players to choose from, and the manger made his decision.
“This is part and parcel of football. I didn’t cry about it, I just got on with it. I kept going with a smile on my face and waited for my opportunity at Swansea, and I think I took it with both hands to show people what I am capable of.
“It was obviously a big contrast from the first half of the season. to the second. I look back on it now, and my time there is done. I’m just looking forward now to what the future holds.”
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His improved form with the Swans means Christie has been included in the Ireland squad for the Nations League which could give him the platform he needs to secure a move this season with the player admitting he wouldn’t rule out a move further afield as he said: “Playing abroad is something that I’ve looked at before. There’s been times where I have had options but Fulham did not let me go and it’s something that I definitely would like to explore.
“I’ve had a lot of contact over this summer with a few teams abroad. We’ll see how that goes. I need to sit down and talk to my family and see what’s best for them when those options come up, something is concrete.
“It’s happened a lot over time and it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. So we’ll see what happens over the next few weeks.”
The Verdict:
This season has been far from ideal for Cyrus Christie although he was able to showcase his talents in the second half of the campaign with Swansea and he now seems prepared for new challenge wherever that may come.
You could see the possible benefit of a move abroad for the 29-year-old as it would provide him with a completely fresh start and a blank slate as he aims to get his career going again.
However, he doesn’t necessarily have to move since his time at Swansea will have proved to some teams in this country that he is a good player and therefore worth making a move for.
For now though, he will be keen to focus on the international games he has coming up and hope that he can display his talent on an international stage.