Kyle Russell has an impressive CV with experience around the globe to his name.
The talented striker has returned to England following a successful spell with Santa Lucia Falcons in Malta.
From an early age Kyle Russell had an ambition to be a professional footballer as most young boys do.
Turning professional at the age of 21, Russell was given a chance to move abroad in 2009 with Gozo Premier League side, Nadur Youngsters.
After just a number of months with Nadur, Russell was offered a trial with English side, Torquay and then Birmingham City but both deals fell through due to money problems within the negotiation.
With faith he could continue to become a bigger and better player, Russell kept pushing and was eventually given the chance to play in Australia when he signed for Floreat Athena in the Perth Glory Premier League.
After not extending his contract with Floreat, Russell had a trial with Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League.
Due to a hamstring injury early in the trial he had to return home to re-evaluate his options.
Deciding to drop out of the professional game at the age of 25, he has recently returned into it at 28 years of age.
Russell recently left Maltese side, Ta’Xbiex as he described his time there as “poor and the club had no identity when playing in games.”
Speaking to ElWriteBack, the former Birmingham City trialist said, “I still believe I will play in the Premier League of Malta or the English League One or Two.”
A group of guys called Julian Holland, Wayne Peart and Jon Mottershead brought me to Malta as I gave my CV to Wayne a year prior to me going.
You had trials with Torquay and Birmingham City, how did you find the experience of working within two professional setups?
Fantastic. I enjoyed every moment. Unfortunately, I had a greedy agent at the time which was the reason I never signed.
You travelled to Australia next to play for Floreat Athena. How did you find your time in Australia compared to what you had previously experienced?
Australia is very physical and I had to hit the weights hard in order to improve my core. They have very good players in Australia. I enjoyed my time there the most to be fair.
You are a very travelled player having played in China for Beijing Guoan on trial. How did the hamstring injury you picked up here effect your career?
It was my lowest point by far. It hurt me a lot. I cried for three nights straight because I knew it was over but I was reading inspirational books and it made me recover.
One quote that stood out for me was: “Life will catch you on the blind side, but the question is what are you going do about it? Make excuses or results.”
Ta’Xbiex have no identity, and a lack of ambition as well as being poorly run. Their position in the table doesn’t lie. The only game they won I scored the only goal.
During your return to Malta you also played for Santa Lucia Falcons. Is this somewhere you feel comfortable on the pitch?
Santa Lucia Falcons are an unbelievable club. The moment I stepped in there, I believed I was at home. It felt like I was at Nadur Youngsters FC again. The players are top class and they have intelligent players there as well. The game is just easy with them. You have a coach in Ivan that is tactically good and he believes in his philosophy.
I have returned back to the UK and I will train very hard as I know the journey is not over. I have great guys like Robert, Ivan, George Boughet (fantastic guy) plus Godfrey K Torto, a super agent looking out for me. I’m blessed to have these guys helping me as they are honest. There’s no lying in them.
You are looking to return to Malta in January, are you looking forward to this if things go to plan?
I would like to return to Malta but I cannot write the future as that’s in God’s hands. I do the possible and God does the impossible.
Where do you see yourself after your career has ended?
I will be a motivational Speaker for sure.
ElWriteBack 