‘Disrespected’ Fabio Cardoso proving his worth since Rangers exit

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Steven Gerrard made some sweeping changes at Rangers following his appointment at Ibrox. One player who suffered as a consequence was Fabio Cardoso. Signed by Pedro Caixinha, the Portuguese centre-back arrived at Ibrox with plenty of promise. He cost £1.3 million from Vitoria Setubal and had plenty of experience with his nation at youth level.

He played just 12 times for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. A nasty broken nose is perhaps the lasting memory most Rangers fans will have of the Portuguese defender.  

Gerrard decided he was not needed going forward and Rangers released Cardoso in the summer.

It certainly did not sit well with the player. He claimed he felt ‘disrespected’ by the club in a September interview.  

“Because of the transition of managers and I felt that I and other colleagues were off for no good reason.

“I felt that I was disrespected and it was difficult not to be playing. I wanted to feel happy, to assert myself again. I didn’t play in the second half of the season which is the most important time.”

– Fabio Cardoso on Rangers exit

Since leaving, Cardoso has certainly put his career back on track.

The 24-year-old has been a regular at the heart of defence for new club Santa Clara. Last night he scored his fourth goal of the season in a 2-0 win over Vitoria Setubal as his side continue to trot along in mid-table.

Ultimately, the rough and tumble of Scottish football did not suit Cardoso. Rangers fans will therefore not miss the player. But at least his career is getting back on track elsewhere.