No language barrier for new Hearts manager

Jul 27 2008 By Gordon Waddell

CSABA LASZLO plays football without frontiers - off the park as well as on it.

And he reckons his love for the global game will stand him in good stead for anything the SPL can throw his way.

He said: "Speaking five languages is a big help.

"As well as Romanian I know Hungarian, German, English and French. It means I can communicate with everyone, which is great.

"Football has no borders now and it's good to be able to speak with all the players."

However, Laszlo insists his biggest barrier wasn't language when he moved to Uganda - it was the culture clash which took him aback. And anyone who thinks taking the Hearts job is a professional risk should try East Africa. He said: "Going out to Africa was probably the biggest risk in my life.

"I could have gone to Switzerland or Greece but I didn't get the feeling it was for me and I opted for Uganda.

"I signed my contract and my wife told me we'd get divorced - two years later and she doesn't want to come back to Europe! Neither do my girls.

"For them it was a good experience to know the world doesn't stop at Europe.

"I looked at the people in Uganda, the ones who suffered, who didn't have any chance and I think a little differently about life.

"I had a hard life in Romania but not like it is in Africa.

"At least under Ceausescu we had the chance to go to school.

"Now the borders are down life is different and it's nice to be able to take your children back to visit where their family comes from.

"But then when I got to Romania I say we are home, when I go to Germany and Hungary I say the same! And now they say Africa is home. Where do I call home?  Europe! But hopefully Edinburgh for a while!"