LEON Balogun says returning to Rangers ‘feels like coming home’ after he became Michael Beale’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window.
The defender revealed the reaction and excitement from his loved ones, in particular his father, made the move back to Glasgow even more special.
Balogun, who enjoyed two seasons at Ibrox between 2020 and 2022, has joined the squad at their pre-season training camp in Germany. Sitting down exclusively with RangersTV to discuss the move, he said: “I am just excited to be honest, it is still a bit unreal but it is very real, so I am just very happy.
“It just feels like coming home and back to the family, there are loads of familiar faces still here and some new ones. I have had a very warm welcome and it is great, I am very excited and very happy.
“Last year when I was waiting to see if I was going to stay in Scotland or not, my father came for the UEFA Europa League final and the Scottish Cup final. He said don't worry son, your time in Scotland is not over, obviously it was at that time, but I am happy he was right after all.
“He was buzzing when I told him, probably even more than I was, he was so so excited and to see what it does in terms of reaction from your family and your loved ones that is very special, and it makes it even more special for me.”
With a number of changes in the squad this summer, Balogun says he is looking forward to getting on the pitch. The defender already knows some of the new additions, including Nigeria teammate Cyriel Dessers who joined the club earlier this month.
He continued: “I have played with Kieran Dowell before at Wigan and Dujon Sterling as well but with Cyriel it's special because we both play for the national team.
“I think he is a very very special player, he is a very intelligent striker. I didn't play many games with him but in training he was more than a handful. In terms of the other players, I know Dowell is very special and very gifted, but I am just looking forward to joining the group.”
A league and Scottish Cup winner with Rangers previously, Balogun hopes his experience can play a key role moving forward this season.
He added: “I know second is no option, that is why I don't even want to talk too much because I know what people are going to say very quickly if we are not performing. It is time to get to work, put our best foot forward and make sure that we get the results we need.”
RangersTV subscribers can watch the full interview with Leon Balogun here.