“Not a sprint, but a marathon” – Cyriel Dessers reveals the ups and downs of peaking late as a footballer

Dessers was called up to the Super Eagles squad for the first time in March 2020 by Gernot Rohr, before making his debut in Nigeria's 1-1 draw against Tunisia in October of the same year.

Super Eagles and Rangers striker, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers, has revealed the ups and downs of peaking late as a footballer, highlighting he wouldn't have it any other way, Soccernet.ng reports.

Dessers, 29, has been in fine form for Rangers, scoring sixteen goals and recording seven assists in all competitions for the Gers.

Now in the form of his life, the Nigerian international revealed it has not always been a journey of roses, after making his first big break at Genk at the age of 26 where most strikers are already at their peak.

He, however, is grateful for the experiences the tilts of life has engraved into his character.

“I was never regarded as a big, big talent, this path made me stronger and made me who I am now. It is not a sprint, it is a marathon and I think my career is one of the best examples of that. There are so many good players in the world, but how many can say they played in a European final?” the forward said in the UEFA Europa League Magazine show as monitored by Soccernet.ng.

Heading into his thirties, the Belgian-born striker revealed that having a late bloom has made him cherish each moment as it comes.

“I became a pro football player quite late. I saw the other side of life and that is why I try to enjoy the special moments in football even more. The things you can do, the places you can see, it obviously makes it special,” the former Genk forward added.

Rangers will face Angel Di Maria's Benfica at the Estadio Da Luz on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League round of sixteen as they look to continue their run in Europe.