I Have To Make It Big So I Can Buy Better Life For My Parents Says Fabian Yantorno

Jan 13 2008 By Gavin Berry

Gretna V Rangers Wednesday, Kick-Off 7.45pm Live On Setanta

BIG-HEARTED Gretna striker Fabian Yantorno has revealed he's on a mission to be a smash hit in European football so he can pay back his parents for their help in making him a football star.

The South American ace is from a poverty-stricken area in Uruguay but his move to the SPL has already enabled him to rent a new house in a safer place for mum and dad.

Yantorno revealed his old family home in Mornoas - on the outskirts of capital city Montevideo - was robbed twice before his switch to Raydale Park.

That gave him the determination to move abroad to play and his dream was realised last summer after being spotted by Gretna director of development Mick Wadsworth.

And since the 25-year-old, formerly of Miramar Misiones in his homeland, joined the Borders side, manager Davie Irons has become a father figure.

Yantorno has been one of the few shining lights for Gretna this season as the Bortders outfit risk being cut adrift at the bottom of the SPL.

The frontman scored in yesterday's 2-2 draw with Morton and is hoping his form can help him progress even further in the game and fund a better living for his parents Rafael and Anna Maria.

Yantorno revealed: "My upbringing was not in one of the best places in Montevideo.

Mornoas is a little town not far from the city centre.

"My house was burgled twice, most recently last year, and let's just say the area is not a really quiet one.

"You have to be careful every time you go out. But I think that's a problem in a lot of South American countries and it's one reason I came to Europe - to make money to help my parents.

"It was okay for me, I was always happy with my parents.

They worked so hard for me and my brother. My mother is a teacher in a poor area and my father teaches PE. It's because of them I am what I am now.

"I always say I want to give them back all they have given me - that is my dream.

"I am so proud of them and maybe by playing in Europe that dream will come true.

"I can help them already. I have been able to send money for them to rent a house in a better area. They are safer now and that is important. Eventually I want to buy them a house but they are expensive." Yantorno faces Rangers on Wednesday and with the transfer window open he knows doing well against the leaders could be key to the lucrative move he craves.

He also impressed against Celtic last October, scoring the opener before two late goals saw Gretna crash 2-1.

Fabian said: "You always hope during the transfer window someone might call you but it has been quiet.

"I just want to keep working. We're doing a bit better now in the league apart from the last result against Inverness.

"We have to keep working hard and trying to do well. All the players want to go as high as they can. "I am so happy to be here.

Gretna gave me the chance to play in Europe and the SPL is an important league. It is a high level so it was always my dream to play well here and I try to do my best every Saturday.

"Of course I want to play at the highest stage in Europe and also for my national team.

"I have played at Under-20 and Under-17 level but there are a lot of good Uruguayan players throughout Europe.

"It's not easy to make the national team because all the players are handled by only one agent who takes them to Europe, like Alvaro Recoba at Inter Milan.

"There are a lot of Uruguayan internationals in Italy, Spain, Mexico and Argentina.

"Maybe the selectors watch more Italian or Spanish than Scottish football.

"But the SPL is a high level.

We play against Rangers and Celtic who compete in the Champions League.

"When we play them my friends and family tell me they saw me on telly."

Yantorno spends his spare time at home in Carlisle with girlfriend Lucia who was an English teacher in Uruguay and has helped him with the language.

But Gretna boss Irons is the person he feels he owes most.

Yantorno said: "Davie has been so important. He's a good person who has helped me a lot.

"When I first moved to Scotland it was difficult but Davie and physio Kenny Crichton were so helpful.

"Davie talked to me a lot about football, about life.

"He is my manager and is also my friend."