adminJames Tavernier to LEAVE Rangers after 11 years as captain releases 454-word statement explaining decision
RANGERS captain James Tavernier has announced he will LEAVE the club this summer in a bombshell 454-word statement.
The 34-year old’s contract is up at the end of the season and he’s decided to move on.
Tavernier joined Rangers in 2015 in a cut-price deal from Wigan Athletic.
He’s gone on to become a club stalwart and has captained the club since 2018.
Appointed skipper by Steven Gerrard, Tavernier went on to lead Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021.
It was the Gers’ first league title in a decade and one that stopped Celtic in their quest for a historic 10th championship in a row.
Tavernier also inspired Rangers to the the Europa League Final in 2022 and has won the Scottish Cup and League Cup.
He was instrumental on the Gers’ stunning run to the Seville showpiece four years ago.
Tavernier finished as the Europa League’s top scorer that season despite being a defender, netting seven goals.
He scored crucial goals in the ties against Braga, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig as the Gers made it all the way to the final.
It was his goal that settled the League Cup Final against Aberdeen in 2023, becoming the first Gers skipper to lift that trophy in more than a decade.
But now his time at Rangers is coming to an end.
As a result, he will become a free agent
In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, he confirmed his decision and the reasons behind it.
He also confirmed that he intends to keep on playing, something he’d intimated previously when discussing his future.
Tavernier’s decision comes just a few days after he admitted he was unsure whether he would remain at Ibrox beyond the end of the season.
In a lengthy 454-word statement, 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.
“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.”
While Tavernier has confirmed his time at Rangers is ending, he acknowledged there’s still a league title to win.
The right-back has vowed to put his all into the championship battle with Hearts and Celtic before he heads off.
The statement continued: “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.”
Rangers will hope the captain’s bombshell announcement won’t affected their title ambitions.
The Light Blues are back in action at Ibrox on Sunday when they face Motherwell in their first post-split fixture.
A win would see the Gers go top of the table – at least temporarily – with leaders Hearts kicking-off later against Edinburgh rivals Hibs.
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