The USA captain has vacated the same role with the Light Blues to sign a season-long agreement with Spanish second tier side Racing Santander.
Bocanegra moves on accepting the salary he earned with Gers was not sustainable with the club now in the Third Division.
And with a place in Jurgen Klinsmann’s American squad which is competing for a spot at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil to retain, it was in his interests to move too.
The 33-year-old feels his temporary departure suits all involved but he has every intention of returning to Auchenhowie for pre-season training next July.
When it comes to weighing up his options for the 2013/14 campaign, Bocanegra is adamant turning out for Gers will be a realistic prospect he’ll consider.
He said: “It’s a strange feeling because Rangers is a hard club to leave but on the other hand, I’ve got a chance to go to Spain and play for Racing Santander.
“That gives me a chance to stay involved with my national team and playing for my country is something which is very important to me.
“It’s something which is really high on my list of priorities. I love playing with the USA team and to captain it is a huge honour, as it was for me to captain Rangers.
“I think this is a deal which suits all parties and it’s a loan deal. That’s good and I’m happy about that so I’ll be coming back here next July.
“The window has been funny and for whatever reason it has come down to the last minute after stuff had been on the cards for a couple of weeks.
“But I feel I could come back and play here again. I had an opportunity to sign for Santander and leave here for good because I was on a free transfer but I purposely went for a loan.
“Rangers are happy with that and I am very happy with that so it is something which worked out great for us all.”
