Leon Balogun starts life at Rangers

Nigeria international Leon Balogun has started life at his new club Glasgow Rangers having trained with his new teammates on Tuesday. It was the first training for the Super Eagles defender with the Scottish giants, Extrasportsnigeria.com reports.

Balogun moved from the English Premier League to team up with the team led by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. It is actually going into a full season for the defender as Rangers face Aberdeen in their first game of the season on Saturday, August 1.

Balogun who spoke to the Rangers website said, “I think it is an advantage for me not to be coming off 14 days or a 21-day break so I can come straight to fit into it, work with the team and get to know the team.

“The league starts next week, so I am looking forward to joining the squad and integrating as quickly as possible.

“It’s amazing. I’m coming to a club which has an incredible history and an incredible fan culture. I, unfortunately, haven’t witnessed it yet, but I am looking forward to it.

“On a personal note, my best friend, my oldest friend, was a huge Jorg Albertz supporter. That’s how I first got in touch with Rangers because of my best friend and the Hammer, so it is a proud moment for both of us – we never really saw it coming but it’s immense.

“Obviously, to have this kind of crowd behind you in every game at home is amazing. I’ve been lucky enough to experience it, or something similar before in my career at some stage.

“I just want to experience it as everyone has been telling me you have no idea just how big it is, and I am looking forward to getting started and getting in touch with them. Hopefully, we can have some success together.”

It is also hoped that a regular time with Rangers could help the defender regain a front role with Nigeria having slipped from what was a regular starting place with the Eagles.