The Romanian international spent the early years of his life in Istanbul as his famous father Gheorghe starred for Galatasaray.
Hagi is delighted to be back where it all started, but he insists his only motivation is producing the goods for Barry Ferguson’s side in the round of 16 clash.
Speaking to the media, he said: “It is special to play in the city I was born in. I have so many good memories here, so it is special and I will enjoy it.
“I have been waiting to play on the European stage for a year now so I am really excited about that.
“My motivation is to represent Rangers as best as possible. Signing for this huge club, made me a better man, a better player and I owe it to the club is to give my best every day and again on matchday.
“Every player has an off day, but one thing I have done is give every bit of energy I have and it won’t be any different tomorrow.
“My dad and I talk before and after every game, so he knows how important the European results are and how tough it is to get a result away from home.
“He knows the Turkish league really well so he will give me advice. It is special for me to play in Istanbul as it means so much to me and my family.
“It gives me extra motivation to play as well as I can.”
Rangers are looking to get over the disappointment of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Motherwell in head coach Ferguson’s first home match in charge.
Hagi says the squad are looking for a reaction against Jose Mourinho’s men.
He added: “Every three or four days you have a game, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, you have to be ready for the next one. That is the case for us now.
“The last few weeks have not been good enough and up to Rangers’ standard. We have been working to fix things and we are ready for tomorrow - it will be a challenge, but we will be ready.
“I knew a lot about Barry, he was captain of this huge club at an early age. He is a standard setter and he demands the best of you.
“I think all of his coaching staff want to drive standards and fix what we aren’t doing well.
“We know how much they love the club and we want to finish the season as well as possible and Europe is very important.”