James Tavernier, the captain of Rangers, addresses recent criticism from fans and comments on his experiences during the transfer window. His interview sheds light on his loyalty to the club and future aspirations.
- Tavernier reflects on the backlash following Rangers’ 3-0 defeat to Celtic.
- He disclosed the interest from several clubs over the summer, including Trabzonspor.
- Despite the interest, no offers met Rangers’ valuation for the right-back.
- Tavernier emphasised his commitment to Rangers and his desire to achieve more.
James Tavernier, the captain of Rangers, has faced significant criticism from fans following a 3-0 defeat against Celtic. Fans were vocal about their frustration with the team’s performance and results, expressing their concerns directly to the players after the match.
During the summer transfer window, Tavernier attracted interest from various clubs, notably Trabzonspor, as well as teams from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. However, no offer met the financial expectations of Rangers, leading to his continued stay at Ibrox.
Tavernier highlighted his long-term commitment to Rangers, stating, ‘There was always going to be reports and links. I am in contract until the end of next season.’ This statement reinforces his dedication to the club and his focus on his current role.
Reflecting on his journey at Rangers, Tavernier acknowledged the support and platform the club has provided him to excel in his career. He remarked, ‘Rangers have always given me that platform to play my football and the foundations to do something that a lot of people would love to do, so I’ve always got a great debt to pay, but it is football.’
Addressing the fan criticism, Tavernier expressed an understanding of the fans’ frustrations. He stated, ‘As fans they want to display their frustration, you can understand the frustration that people have and obviously, us as players are frustrated as well.’ He acknowledged the challenges but remains undeterred and motivated to improve.
Tavernier’s impressive statistics as a defender are noteworthy. Since joining Rangers in 2015, he has scored 126 goals and provided 132 assists, making him the highest-scoring British defender of all time. His contributions have been instrumental in Rangers’ successes, including winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and League Cup titles, as well as reaching the Europa League final in 2022.
Tavernier remains focused on his responsibilities at Rangers and is driven to achieve further success.
