JACK BUTLAND has thanked the Rangers fans for the support he has received so far as he settles into life at his new club following his summer switch to Ibrox.
The goalkeeper has reflected on his first few days as an official Rangers player after the club began pre-season training ahead of the new campaign getting underway in around five weeks time.
Speaking to the media for the first time since making the switch in this afternoon’s press conference the goalkeeper spoke of his first few days in his new surroundings and paid tribute to the supporters for the messages he has received since his arrival.
He said: “It has been really good, obviously since the day I signed there has been no shortage of support and Rangers fans I didn't know existed sort of came out of the woodwork, the support has been incredible. Obviously there was a few weeks to wait before we got in and since coming in it has been exactly what I expected and more.
The 30-year-old is looking to follow in the footsteps of legendary goalkeepers Allan McGregor and Andy Goram as he looks to create a legacy during his time at the club.
He continued: “That is the plan, you talk about two goalkeepers, and two guys who have got an incredible history with the club, that knew what Rangers is about and watching the memorial piece for Andy Goram the other day, it painted a picture of what he was like and what he meant to the club and what the club meant to him.
The shot stopper says it wasn’t a difficult decision to join the club and believes it an exciting time to be a Rangers player under manager Michael Beale next season.
He added: “It wasn't difficult decision really, for me joining Manchester United was a great opportunity to join the club I supported as a kid, to learn from the best and things like that, but you quickly get to the point where you realise just how much you miss playing yourself and how much you miss that winning feeling.
“It is great when other people are doing it and you part of that but for me Rangers have always sort of been there for a few years, it never quite got to the point where I had a decision to make, and this summer it sort of got to that point.
The Englishman has targeted the Champions League group stages with his new club as the Gers look to qualify for the competition for the second season running with the opportunity being one of the reasons why he choose to make the switch to Glasgow.
He said: “It is massive European football, I have heard about the European nights at Ibrox, it goes without saying, it is an important part of the club, they have had some great moments over the years in Europe, and we are looking to continue that and we have got an opportunity to do that.
“That was certainly a massive point for me, it is sort of guaranteed either way but that is not our focus to rely on that, we want to get to the Champions League.”