‘I loved it’: Veteran striker opens up on his time at Rangers

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An emotional Jermain Defoe has opened up on his time at Rangers, describing the club as ‘special’.

Defoe left Rangers last week, making only two appearances for the club this season.

Speaking on Talksport with Laura Woods and Ally McCoist this morning, the veteran striker said he “bought into the culture” at the club.

Jermain revealed he received a text from Steven Gerrard once he signed asking “9 or 10?” in reference to a squad number.

Jermain said, “When I saw number 9 was available, it’s a special number”, alluding to the fact McCoist had worn the number 9 and produced goals.

When asked about his relationship with the fans, he said

“Do you know what, I loved it”

He professed he always knew how big a club Rangers were.

However, he confessed it wasn’t until he had experienced it as a player that he really acknowledged the size of the club.

Building a rapport with the club

Defoe said he wanted to “have a relationship with the people” and get to know the people who had worked at the club for years.

He spoke of his fascination with former players, such as Gazza and McCoist and their dressing room antics.

He often quizzed employees who had served at the club over 30 years such as “Jean, who worked in the canteen” and legendary kitman Jimmy Bell on past players.

McCoist praised Defoe and said he had “earned” the well wishes of the fans.

McCoist referred to the fact Defoe’s former team-mates all described him as a model pro.

Defoe then began to get emotional, describing his former team-mates as “unbelievable” and “special”.

Acknowledging he had come with a “big reputation”, Defoe claimed he just wanted to win and was “desperate for a league title”.

Defoe joked the players appreciated him that much they called him ‘uncle’.

Defoe spoke of receiving a message from Rangers star Joe Aribo when his departure was announced.

Aribo said it was an honour to have played a part in helping Jermain win a league title.

Winning a league title

McCoist reminisced of the 55th league title celebrations, speaking to the late Walter Smith in the aftermath and described the title scenes as “magical”.

Defoe agreed and claimed that was the main thing [55th title]

“no one can ever take that away from you”.

He compared life in Glasgow to his upbringing in East London, working class people who love football and only care about winning.

Defoe said it was a perfect fit for him after a tough time at Bournemouth.

He said the move to Rangers aided him in his mental wellbeing and allowed him to “get the fire back”.

Becoming a coach

Defoe was given a role on the coaching staff under Steven Gerrard.

He said it was tough as he struggled to strike a balance between coaching and playing.

He struggled to find where to focus his attention and to find the time to coach.

Defoe confirmed he was told to remain available as a player so he would train as normal and stay behind do shooting practice.

As expected, and especially at the age of 39, recovery was important too.

However, he did say he tried to “lead by example” and coach through talking to the younger players, something he had done for years anyway.

Defoe at Rangers

Defoe signed for Rangers in January 2020 after an initial loan from Bournemouth the previous January.

He played 76 games for Rangers, scoring 32 goals and 10 assists.

Jermain was seen as an ideal signing, a penalty box finisher who could find the vital goal in games where Rangers faced a low block.

He mostly found himself on the bench, playing backup, but at the same time mentor to Alfredo Morelos.

The two struck up a relationship immediately.

Fans were delighted as Morelos often cuts a moody persona and is not renowned for speaking good English.

Defoe joining Rangers definitely helped to improve Alfredo Morelos all round game.

It would have been easy for Jermain to come to Rangers in the twilight of his career, pick up a wage and retire.

However, Jermain Defoe showed he is the model professional. No ego, just a desire to win and help the younger players.

The fans took to him straight away, consequently, they held the opinion he was one of the players that deserved the title the most.

A great career in England, one of the best Premier League strikers.

A dedicated pro, often in the media for his charity work and special connection with Bradley Lowery.

It was an honour for him to represent and win his first title at Rangers.

Ultimately, Rangers fans only gripe, will be that Jermain Defoe did not have the opportunity to come to Ibrox sooner.