LEON Balogun has penned a farewell message to the fans of Rangers, the club he represented for two years.
The 33-year-old Nigerian left the Glasgow giants at the end of this season after a successful spell at the club he joined from Wigan in 2020.
In his two seasons at Rangers, they won their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years in 2021 and reached the UEFA Europa League final this year. They also won the Scottish Cup this year.
The Super Eagles centre-back appreciated everyone at the club in a message he posted on Twitter last night, two weeks after he was officially released.
“Took me some time, but eventually it is time for me to say goodbye,” he wrote.
“Thank you to every single soul at the club working their socks of, making sure me 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 your for that.
“Thank you to the managing staff and especially to my amazing team mates over the two seasons, who welcomed me from day one as a player and a friend. Who have pushed me to be better and taught me the Rangers way. A lot of highs, a few lows that made our bond even stronger.”
Balogun described the triumphant feeling of beating Celtic to the league title for the first time in a decade and the ‘magical’ run to the Europa League final, which they lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt.
“We became invincible champions, the class of 55, the magical European nights at Ibrox that led us all the way to the final,” he added.
“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 two weeks have been incredibly overwhelming for me and at the same time they’re the greatest testimonial 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.”
Balogun played 62 times for Rangers in all competitions across the two seasons, scoring two goals and making three assists.
