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19th Sep 2015

Premier League man learned English thanks to Only Fools and Horses

Simon Lloyd

For many foreign players, adjusting to the rigours of English football and adapting to the cultural differences of their new home can be difficult.

One of the biggest obstacles to overcome is learning a new language.

Having moved to England at the tender age of 18, Manchester United’s Morgan Schneiderlin had quite a unorthodox method of acquiring the English tongue.

Ahead of his return to former club Southampton, the midfielder explained that watching popular English television shows was an essential aspect of him learning the language.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: Morgan Schneiderlin of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League Qualifying Round Play Off First Leg match between Manchester United and Club Brugge at Old Trafford on August 18, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“I wanted to be in England so I wanted to embrace everything English to help me fit in,” Schneiderlin is quoted as saying in The Mirror.

“Some of the other players told me about Coronation Street and EastEnders and they made me watch Only Fools and Horses. They get me to translate what Del Boy was saying in French, which is very funny.”

Schneiderlin is in contention to make a return to the United starting line-up as they take on Southampton at St. Mary’s.