New signing on discussions with Pahars and Gorkss

Deniss Rakels, who became our third winter window arrival on Thursday when he completed a transfer from Polish club Cracovia, revealed that chats with two Latvian legends helped convince him that Reading was the right move to make.

Defender Kaspars Gorkss – who made 81 appearances for Reading over three season, and captains the Latvian national team – gave him a good reference of the Royals.  And Marians Pahars, who spent over seven years in England as a Southampton player and currently manages Latvia, also put in a good word.

“I’m very happy to be here, and this is a very big step in my career,” said Rakels.  “After a good season in Poland, I had an opportunity to move to England so I am very happy that I made this step.

“I spoke with Kaspars – we are very good friends, and he said that this is a good opportunity to take, so when the opportunity appeared I was definitely going to take it.  I also spoke with the national team coach [Pahars] and he said that Reading Football Club will offer a good opportunity for me.

“Previously in Poland was very good for me, and I scored many goals.  I hope that I can do this at Reading Football Club, and I will work a lot to score here.”