De Graaf grateful to friend Mols

29 June 2010 16:01

Hibernian new boy Edwin de Graaf revealed how former Rangers hero Michael Mols was instrumental in persuading him to move to Easter Road.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who has represented the Holland B team, joined the Leith club earlier in the month on a two-year deal.

De Graaf claims he first had an inkling he would end up in Scottish football after a couple of trips to Glasgow with close friend Mols and he said: "When I found Hibernian were interested, I called him (Mols) and asked what should I do. And he told me that after Rangers and Celtic, Hibs are one of the biggest clubs in Scotland."

The former NAC Breda skipper added: "When I knew Hibernian were interested at the end of last season, I came over to the Motherwell versus Hibernian at Fir Park, the 6-6 game," De Graaf said.

"It was a crazy game but I spoke to the manager (John Hughes) who gave me a good feeling about playing for the club.

"But I had been in Scotland before to see some Glasgow Rangers games with Michael Mols.

"A few seasons ago I watched Rangers versus Hearts at Ibrox, when Ronald Waterreus was in goals, Buffel was in midfield and Jan Wouters was the assistant coach and I also saw a Rangers game against Celtic at Hampden.

"Michael was a couple of years out of Scotland by the time he came back but the fans showed him a lot of respect and the passion was so high that I said that I wanted to play in Scotland.

"I will invite Michael over to see me play for Hibernian and of course he will want to see us play against Rangers."

"People were surprised that I signed for Hibernian because it was never mentioned in the media. People thought I was staying, or going to play in Germany or the USA. But everyone that I spoke to told me that Scottish football was the type of football that I like to play and that it would be great for me.

Source: PA