Steven Gerrard’s first words to Rangers after leaving Ibrox for Aston Villa

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Steven Gerrard has been appointed as Aston Villa boss on a deal until June 2025 – and he has sent a touching message to Rangers on Villa’s website.

The 41-year-old gaffer has left Rangers after more than three years in the dugout, managing 193 games. He won the 20-21 Scottish Premiership title.

Rangers have improved enormously in Europe, stopping Celtic’s 10-in-a-row pursuit and taken Rangers to a 55th league title. He leaves, a Rangers icon.

Now, he takes on a whole new task – a different one at Villa. The Midlands side are teetering above the relegation zone, and need a change of fortunes.

He has now signed a contract at Villa for the next three and a half years and speaking to Villa’s website – he paid tribute to the club he was leaving.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Glasgow Rangers for giving me the opportunity to manage such an iconic football club,” Gerrard said.

“A record-breaking 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart. I wish the players, staff and supporters the very best for the future.”

Gerrard message to Rangers: Villa move perfect for Liverpool legend

It is the ideal move for Gerrard. He joins a club that not only is showing enormous ambition, but has cash to spend and a brilliant playing squad.

The players are much better than the position they are currently in and if Gerrard can get them out of a rut – then a top-half finish is still possible.

He will start with a home clash against Brighton, before travelling to Crystal Palace. A tricky run of Manchester City, Leicester and then Anfield is next.

He takes his newly-inherited Villa side to Liverpool on December 11, which will see Gerrard return to Liverpool as a manager for the first time.