Former Rangers star Steven Gerrard called 'an absolute mountain' becomes free agent
The former Rangers player is moving on to free agency after time abroad.
A former Rangers star is entering free agency after time abroad.
Connor Goldson joined the Premiership side in 2018 and left before the 24/25 campaign kicked off. He helped Rangers to title glory under Steven Gerrard in 2021 and the Europa League final a year later as he proved a consistent figure in defence. Goldson featured 309 times before joining Cypriot side Aris Limassol, where he has played 62 times, but will now seek pastures new.
It’s been confirmed by Aris that he will leave following the conclusion of his contract. He has been sent a fond farewell and hailed as one of the club’s leaders during his time at the club.
Who has Connor Goldson just left?
A statement reads: “Connor Goldson departs Aris. Connor Goldson was more than just a defender — he was a leader, a professional, and a true green. Always one of us. Thank you for everything and good luck, Connor.”
Gerrard was a huge fan of Goldson, and speaking in February 2021 of his and Ryan Kent’s durability, hailed him as a pillar of Rangers’ eventual title-winning team. He said: “They are two people who have been extremely robust up to this point. They don’t like not playing. They take it out on me if they are left out or they have to come off the pitch. Connor has been an absolute mountain for this team, a warrior.
“He has had a lot of stick over the years, wrongly in my opinion. But he has continued to improve and strive to improve from a personal point of view. He has been one of our most-consistent players. I wasn’t too happy with the back line the other night, but if you look at the big picture, Connor Goldson has been absolutely immense.
What did Steven Gerrard say about Connor Goldson?
“I can’t describe to you how well he has done for this team, not just in terms of what you have seen, but leadership on the inside and availability every single day. He has high standards, and is always pushing other people to improve their standards. Connor is a proper leader and I am made up for him.”
Goldson said of his Rangers exit: “The time has come, it’s my time to get off the train and the ride that we have been on together for the past six years. This is really hard to write but I think that it is the right time to write it. What a six years it has been and what a pleasure it was to be a part of this amazing football club. We went through many highs and many lows together but throughout the journey I can promise you that I gave this club everything I had.
“I tried to lead by example every single day I walked into that building and strived to make the football club a better place than when I signed, it wasn’t perfect and neither was I but I can honestly sit here and look myself in the mirror and say I gave it my all and nobody cared more. From getting the club back into European football to a Europa League final, helping return the club back to Champions League football. The league title, both cups. Do I sit here and wish we had won more together, of course. But I also sit here grateful for the memories we shared together and it’s something that I don’t think will ever be able to be beaten.”