Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun, though he left Rangers in the summer, is still a regular visitor at Ibrox. Rangers had wanted to renew the contract of the big defender but he chose to look elsewhere for a new challenge.
Following his exit from Ibrox, the player, while in search of a new club, was on the stand to watch Rangers in a crunch Champions League clash with Union Saint Gilloise on Tuesday night where the Gers came from a first-leg 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 on aggregate.
It was more like a call to return to Rangers as Balogun watched how Antonio Colak slotted the second goal to hand Giovanni van Bronchorst’s side a tally on aggregate in the 58th minute.
The determined Royal Blue, who were firing from all cylinders, thrilling the ecstatic crowd, finally climaxed a reaction in the 78th minute when Malik Tillman sealed the victory with a powerful header.
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Balogun has been part of Ibrox’s success story in the last two seasons, winning the league title under Steven Gerrard and also reaching the Europa League final in Seville where Gers narrowly missed the title to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Rangers were eager to retain the 34-year-old defender who joined the club on a free transfer from Wigan but Balogun, presently without a club, chose the exit door.
At the time he left Ibrox, he said, “Took me some time, but eventually it is time for me to say goodbye.
“Thank you to every single soul at the club working their socks off, making sure I and the boys can focus on performing at our best. A lot of whom we work with on a daily basis, kitchen staff, medical staff, sports scientists and athletic trainers, as well as our two girls Katy and Hannah. You have shown and taught me -in your very own way- the dedication that is expected and I thank you for that.
“Thank you to the managing staff and especially to my amazing teammates over the 2 seasons, who welcomed me from day one as a player and a friend. Who pushed me to be better and taught me the Rangers way. A lot of highs, a few lows that made our bond even stronger.
“We became invincible champions, the class of 55, the magical European nights at Ibrox that led us all the way to the final. Eventually, we crowned my time with the Scottish cup. Thanks for all the memories, the laughter and for sharing some of the best moments in my career with me.
“And last but not least, a massive thank you to you, the supporters. You are one crazy, passionate bunch. High expectations, that can be intimidating at times – but I loved every single second of it.
“All your messages over the past 2 weeks have been incredibly overwhelming for me and at the same time, they’re the greatest testimonials I can get for my time at Rangers. It has been an absolute privilege and honour to represent you near and far.
“One of the most frequent questions I’ve been asked in my time at Rangers was if I understand the size of the club and what it means – thanks to you, I do now.
“We are the people and you are my people – Forever Blue,” he reiterated.
