Steven Gerrard leads past and present Rangers heroes in James Tavernier tributes after exit confirmed
James Tavernier will leave Rangers after a lengthy spell at Ibrox this summer.
Steven Gerrard has lead the legion of Rangers figures past and present paying tribute to James Tavernier as his upcoming Ibrox exit is confirmed.
The club captain will depart Govan at the end of his contract this summer. He joined Rangers in 2015 from Wigan Athletic and has captained the club since 2018. Tavernier has won every major trophy in Scotland during his stint and was a key part of the run to 2022’s Europa League final, aiming to leave Rangers with another trophy, as Danny Rohl’s sit a point off first-placed Hearts with five games to go.
Former boss Steven Gerrard - who Tavernier won the league with in 2021 - has lead the tributes to the right-back who announced the news on Instagram. He put a love heart and a clapping hands emoji as the messages poured in. Calvin Bassey, the defender Rangers sold for a club record fee to Ajax, said ‘legend forever.’
Who has sent James Tavernier a message after Rangers exit?
Vaclav Cerny put ‘legend of Rangers FC’ and Glen Kamara simply put ‘legend.’ A host of players in the current first team have left messages under Tavernier’s emotional post and ex-midfielder John Lundstram penned a longer message that read: “One of the best. Never ever hid in the hard times and delivered at the biggest times! Absolute legend.”
Tavernier said: “To the fans, my teammates and all the staff at the club, After a lot of thought, I’ve made the decision that this will be my final season at the club. This hasn’t been an easy decision. This club has been a huge part of my life and my family’s over the past 11 years. It’s given me so much, both on and off the pitch and from the moment I arrived, I’ve always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way.
“To have had the honour of being made captain of this club since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of. Leading this team out, wearing the armband and being trusted in that role has meant more to me than I can properly put into words. We’ve shared the highs and the lows together and some truly incredible moments along the way. These include lifting the Scottish Cup, League Cup, our journey to a European final and those unforgettable European nights at Ibrox against Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, where the atmosphere was something I will never forget.
Why is James Tavernier leaving Rangers?
“It also includes winning the league title and delivering 55, a moment that meant everything to this club and its supporters and one I will carry with me for the rest of my life. To all the players I’ve shared the pitch and dressing room with over the years, thank you.
“The bonds we’ve built, the battles we’ve been through and the memories we’ve created are what make this game so special. To the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes every single day, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for the team. Your support often goes unseen, but it has never gone unappreciated.
“And to the fans, your support home and away, through every high and every difficult moment, has meant more than I can ever fully express. You are the heart and soul of this club and it has been a privilege to play in front of you. This isn’t the end just yet. There is still a season to finish and we are fully focused on pushing for the league title.
“I will continue to give absolutely everything, as I always have until the very last day. While I feel the time is right for a new challenge, my focus right now is on finishing this season the right way, together. Thank you for everything this club has given me. It has been the greatest honour of my career to represent it and to lead it. This club will always be a part of me, and I will always be a part of it. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger.”
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