Former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has revealed he warned summer season recruit Rabbi Matondo he could not move up the possibility of a transfer to Ibrox.
Defoe began final season with The Gentle Blues as a player-coach below Steven Gerrard, however following his departure for Aston Villa and the arrival of Gio van Bronckhorst in Govan the veteran striker left the teaching workers because the Dutchman appointed his personal group. After being pushed to the peripheries at Ibrox, he would make a January change to Sunderland earlier than retiring shortly after.
The England cap was again in Glasgow handy out the Walter Tull Memorial Cup following Tottenham 's slender pre-season pleasant win over Rangers whereas finishing up punditry duties for Tottenham's membership TV. Antonio Colak had opened the scoring after an help from fellow summer season arrival Matondo, earlier than Harry Kane's double noticed Antonio Conte's males declare victory over final season's Europa League finalists.
Earlier than kick-off, Defoe opened up on talks with Matondo earlier than he opted for a transfer to the Scottish Premiership. The winger struggled for game-time at Schalke however caught sporting director Ross Wilson's eye together with his performances on mortgage at Cercle Brugge final season.
The 21-year-old has rapidly caught the attention of the Ibrox devoted in pre-season with a objective in opposition to West Ham and one other spectacular exhibiting in opposition to Spurs. Defoe acknowledged he was all too joyful to provide the teenager recommendation over his future.
When requested by RTV what he although of Rangers switch enterprise thus far this summer season, Defoe mentioned: “It’s been good, the entire gamers which have are available. I spoke to Ross (Wilson) there and he appears excited.
"I spoke to the supervisor and he's pleased with the squad. I truly messaged Rabbi (Matondo) as a result of he's a part of the identical company as me.
"I messaged him earlier than the deal was completed and mentioned good luck, and simply ensure you signal a contract as a result of you'll find it irresistible. As a younger lad it’s such a great expertise for him to come back right here. I believe that may assist him in the long term.”
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