LAURA RAFFERTY says she was in no doubt that Rangers was the perfect move in her career after her first conversation with head coach Jo Potter.
The 28-year-old defender joined the club upon the expiry of her contract from Southampton this afternoon, becoming the third arrival of the summer following the additions of Liv McLoughlin and Leah Eddie.
It is an exciting time to be joining the Light Blues after they completed the collection of domestic honours last season with success in the Scottish Cup and Sky Sports Cup, while the side will be hungry to get their hands back on the league title ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
In the meantime, the Gers will mark their return to the UEFA Champions League qualifying stages this summer - a tantalising prospect in the eyes of the new recruit.
Speaking to RangersTV for the first time after arriving in Glasgow, Rafferty said: “What role did Jo play in convincing me? That was the tipping point and helped get it over the edge.
“It’s so important to want to play for a manager, and I was pretty certain what I wanted after the first call with Jo.
“She is someone who lives and breathes football, and I want to be out on the pitch just as much as anyone else now that I’m 28 and in my prime.
“When you have a manager that wants to make marginal differences and aim for top targets, that’s a dream for me as a player. It was definitely the thing that crossed the line for me.
“For me, I look at football as my life, so when I’m happy on the pitch then it’s likewise off the pitch. I want to enjoy every moment and feel valued.
“I believe culture is a massive thing; giving and receiving respect, and everyone having a worth.
“I just hope that I can bring my own piece and help the team win some trophies.
“One of my ambitions is to win things and be part of a winning mentality, and I know that we have that here with Rangers.
“The target is to aim as high as we can and compete in Champions League games.
“It’s the mindset that I have individually and I want to bring that to a collective bunch that I’m well aware have a similar mindset. It’s an exciting journey.”
Rafferty will bring immense experience to the Rangers dressing room having captained Northern Ireland on occasion in her decade-long career as a professional.
The defender hopes she can translate her leadership qualities at international level onto the club scene, where she will join a familiar face in Megan Bell.
And with pre-season set to commence in a little under a fortnight, the 28-year-old is raring to go and itching to showcase her worth to the team.
She added: “I sort of go about my business, and I’m always sure to put my arm around people’s shoulders.
“For me, it was an incredible moment to get the captain’s armband, especially for my family and my dad who is from Belfast. He’s one of those parents that doesn’t say too much, but I knew on his face.
“Those moments will stay with me for a very long time, and I think it’s where I’ve learned the most about myself. I’m happy with how it’s been going and I want to keep progressing.
“I’m confident on the ball, I like to play out from the back, and I enjoy playing on the front foot.
“I tend to be quite loud. I’ve been playing professional football for 11 years now, so I have some experience.
“When you’re in a good team and the shoe fits, I think that’s when I play my best football. I can’t wait to get started here.
“She speaks volumes of the club and I know she’s been unlucky with a few injuries recently, but she’s a player that both Rangers and Northern Ireland will want to get on the pitch as soon as possible.
“I’m really excited. It’s a massive club and the value that it shares is something that I would put alongside what I do.
“Speaking to people both inside and outside of the club, I’m just excited to get going.”