Watch Rangers star Ianis Hagi earn Gary Lineker comparison after TV appearance and ongoing Bundesliga links
GARY LINEKER'S post-football career is known for two things - Match of the Day and Walker's Crisps.
But watch out Gary, now there's a new kid in town - Rangers' Ianis Hagi.
The Romanian has been crocked for much of the season in Scotland after a horrific knee ligament injury picked up last January.
Only now is he coming back into Michael Beale's first-team plans - but though he fell by the wayside at Ibrox, the wonderkid is a BIG name in his homeland.
Hagi has been the face of Pepsi adverts in Romania for several years and now represents razor company Gillette.
But it's his latest screen appearance that's drawn comparisons to BBC MOTD host and England striker Lineker.
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He's now representing Lays crisps - the alter-ego of British brand Walkers.
His latest TV appearance for the snack company sees him drop in on unsuspecting households in Bucharest to watch the Champions League - on the proviso they have the right flavour of crisps in the house.
It's like a Romanian Daz doorstep challenge - but with the Romanian Gary Lineker, as one viewer commented.
And after two failed challenges, the smiling Gers man finally joins one home for February's Club Brugge v Benfica clash in the advert filmed during his injury comeback.
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The Match of the Day calls haven't come yet, but video has gone down a storm with his fans since Hagi posted it on his social media channels - followed by more than 350,000 on Instagram.
And many rivals have used it to plead for the Romanian to join their club.
Galatasaray have often been linked with the midfielder - who was born in Istanbul while dad Gheorghe turned out for the Turkish giants.
And their fans bombarded the 24-year-old's feed with encouragement to follow in his dad's footsteps.
Borussia Monchengladbach and Steaua Bucharest fans joined in and even Gers fans have urged his return with one adding: "Too busy with nonsense like this! Get back playing for the jersey."
But it is the Bundesliga side who have become the latest to be linked with Hagi on his return to the Rangers squad.
Last month reports in Romania claimed his long-term injury had denied Steven Gerrard a reunion with the player at Aston Villa last season and now the Bundesliga side are said to be keen, according to ProSport.
Hagi signed for Rangers on loan from Belgian side Gent in what was regarded a European coup in January 2020.
The then 21-year-old had been a stand-out in Romania's performance at the under-21 Euros in the year prior.
He has racked up 91 appearances and 15 goals in three years at Ibrox - albeit missing a year with the knee ligament rupture picked up against Stirling Albion last season.
The Romanian favourite also has 24 international caps and learned a new LANGUAGE during his time on the sidelines.
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