Ryan still a City Boy at heart after Dutch adventure

Ryan Lambert during his days with Richmond. - Photo by Richmond FC

PETALING JAYA: Home is where the heart is and it’s very true for Ryan Lambert.

Lambert has returned to Malaysia after playing in Holland for three years to ply his trade with Kuala Lumpur in the Super League.

He said the reasons for him to return home are to be close with his family and also give the local league a shot.

“I always wanted to be closer to my family, and when Kuala Lumpur approached me, I thought it was a great opportunity,” said the midfielder.

The 22-year-old, whose father is English and mother a Malaysian, has been in Holland since 2018, where he first played for Achilles 89 before joining Den Bosch in the second division.

Before moving to Europe, he played for Australian club Richmond and was part of the Melbourne Victory youth team as well.

“I was born in KL, and every year, I will visit the city because most of my loved ones are here,” said Lambert, who spent most of his time growing up in Melbourne.

“Football here is good and I’ve decided to try it out.”

Lambert will have to compete with D. Kenny Pallraj, Zhafri Yahya and Akram Mahinan for a spot in the first XI.

Kuala Lumpur coach Bojan Hodak was excited to have young Lambert in the team.

“In the last two to three years, several players of mixed parentage have returned to play in the local league here. We also wanted his brother, who plays with Den Bosch, but he had a contract to serve,” said Hodak.

“We hope that he will adjust quickly to our style of play and adapt to Malaysian football.”