RANGERS Football Club today wishes to put on record their sincere thanks to Jermain Defoe as he departs the club following three years of excellent service.
Defoe joined the Light Blues, initially on loan, from AFC Bournemouth in the January 2019 transfer window. In his time at the club, he netted 32 goals in 74 appearances, and will always be fondly remembered as a very important part of the ‘55’ team from last season.
Already a Premier League legend when he arrived in Glasgow, Defoe netted eight goals in 20 appearances before the end of the 2018/19 season.
He followed that with 17 in 32 in 2019/20, before grabbing another seven as the league title returned in 2020/21.
Among those seven was a remarkable finish against Livingston last November for his 300th career goal, while he also made sure he had an Old Firm goal to his name as he rounded off the scoring in the memorable 4-1 victory last May.
He also clinched one against Aberdeen in the 4-0 trophy day victory as he finally added a league championship medal to his illustrious career at the age of 38.
In addition to his efforts on the park, Defoe has been an outstanding influence off the park for teammates all over the pitch with his professionalism, and most notably his fellow strikers who have all learned so much from him.
This season, he has officially combined his playing responsibilities with a coaching role, and his final appearance for the club on the park was the 3-1 defeat of Livingston back in November.
The fantastic ovation he received from the Rangers support at Almondvale as he entered the action that afternoon was testament to the high regard he is held in by the fans.
Everyone at the club would again like to thank Jermain for his contribution and wish him and his family every success for the future.
Sporting Director, Ross Wilson, commented: “Jermain has made a significant contribution to Rangers over the last number of seasons.
“Even in the ‘twilight years’ of his career, he has shown the expert movement and finishing ability that took him to the very top in his career. His contribution within the training centre was excellent, as he became a role model for his peers, showing professionalism on a daily basis.
“I was particularly pleased that he leaves with a league championship winning medal. It has been a privilege to have an England international of his quality within our group and we wish him well for the future.”