Former Premier League striker Nile Ranger believes that his criminal past hindered his potential and claims that he could have been on par with Erling Haaland if he had stayed out of trouble. The 32-year-old, who last played for National League side Boreham Wood 18 months ago, was once a highly-rated prospect at Newcastle but failed to live up to expectations due to his off-field behavior. Ranger spoke to The Athletic and expressed his frustration at not fulfilling his potential despite having immense talent.
Ranger stated, I have players coming to me saying, ‘What happened? What’s wrong with you? With your talent, what are you doing?’. I made my bed and now I have to lie in it. He admitted that he had numerous chances to turn his career around but did not take the advice offered to him. He believes that if he had focused on his nutrition and behavior, he could have been as good as the Norwegian sensation, Erling Haaland. However, Ranger admitted to disregarding the advice and thinking he knew better.
Ranger’s troubled history goes back to his teenage years, and his behavioral problems have affected both his personal life and his football career. He has been involved in street robbery, assault, public disorder incidents, homophobic tweeting, and a rape trial (where he was found not guilty), among other offenses. Crisis meetings were constantly held at every club he played for, with his mother often stepping in as a last resort to motivate him.
The striker began his career at Newcastle in 2009 but failed to make a significant impact, scoring just three goals in 62 appearances before being loaned out to League One side Swindon. He had subsequent stints at Blackpool and Southend but struggled with consistency and discipline. Ranger’s career came to a halt in 2017 when he was sentenced to eight months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. He served only 10 weeks of his sentence and returned to football in 2020, signing for non-league side Spalding. However, he made just one appearance before joining Southend for a brief period, followed by his move to Boreham Wood in 2021.
Ranger’s claim about his potential without his criminal past has sparked discussion and debate. While he acknowledges his mistakes and the impact they have had on his career, some question whether he would have been able to fulfill his potential even without the off-field issues. It is clear that Ranger regrets his choices and recognizes the missed opportunities he had to reach a higher level in his career.
It remains to be seen whether Ranger will have another chance to prove himself on the football pitch. His tumultuous past and the doubts surrounding his ability to stay focused and disciplined will likely pose significant challenges for him. Nonetheless, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of making the right choices and acknowledging the consequences of one’s actions, both in football and in life.
