FORMER Wanswell Wanderers youth footballer Christian Ribeiro has admitted he fell out of love with football during his time at Bristol City.

The 22-year-old defender completed a permanent move to League One side Scunthorpe United this week after enjoying a successful loan spell there at the end of last season.

Tipped to be a future star when he was a teenager, Wales international Ribeiro was given limited first team chances at Ashton Gate after suffering a cruciate ligament injury on his debut against Peterborough United in August 2008.

He has been sent out on loan to Stockport County, Colchester United and Carlisle United in the last two seasons, before making ten appearances at Scunthorpe, where he really felt at home.

“I had fallen out of love with football until I came here,” Ribeiro told the Scunthorpe United official website.

“To be honest my time at Bristol City hadn’t gone as I had wanted.

“Then I came up here and found that everyone from the manager to the staff and the supporters wanted me to be here.

“It was nice to feel wanted and appreciated again.

“Although I was only here for a couple of months I have to admit I loved my time here that much it made the decision very easy.”

Ribeiro, who grew up in Berkeley, admitted he found it difficult after being released by Bristol City but he had no shortage of offers.

He said: “There were other clubs who I had talked to.

“But I knew the manager (Alan Knill) here and the way he wanted to play.

“I knew that League One was pretty much the level I would be at.

“But at the same time I wanted to be at a club that would improve me as a player and who hopefully I could improve.

“From that perspective it all fitted and I am delighted to be here.”