VANJA Dragojević says he is ready to embrace the pressure at Rangers after joining the club from FK Partizan today.
The midfielder only turned 20 at the beginning of the year but arrives in Glasgow with significant experience and pedigree, having captained his previous club.
He becomes the seventh addition of the transfer window for the Gers ahead of the Scottish Premiership opener away to Dundee United in eight days’ time.
Speaking exclusively to RangersTV in his first interview as a Rangers player, Dragojević commented: “It feels amazing, and I'm really happy and proud to be part of such a big club like Rangers. It's a big opportunity, and I can't wait to get started.
"I first heard [the interest] three months ago, and when I heard it I already knew it was very interesting to me because I think the winning mentality that Rangers have is compatible with my mentality.
“Rangers have a big history and great players have played here, and I know they have really great supporters.”
On his discussions with manager Derek McInnes, prior to signing, the Serbian international continued: “It was a great conversation.
“I heard that he played for Rangers for a long time and knows the club, and I thought this was a great opportunity.”
Few players can boast the honour of captaining their club as a teenager, but Dragojević’s leadership qualities shone for the Serbian outfit last campaign.
His excellent form for FK Partizan in midfield earned the 20-year-old a call-up to the Serbian national team earlier this year, and he insists the pressure and expectation at Rangers is an aspect which drives him on as a player.
He said: “For me, I don’t see myself as a young player.
“I think age is just a number, so I think the experience I got at my last club, the tough times I’ve gotten through, I’ve stayed consistent.
“That leadership pushed me forward. From a young age I have always learned to be a champion and leader.
“I think it came at the right moment because I like the pressure and when I have that pressure I’m always at 100 per cent.
“I don’t like to talk about myself as a player, but if I need to, I would say my biggest qualities are to sacrifice for the team and to lead by example.”
Dragojević was speaking from Ibrox as he got his first sighting of the stadium he will now call home.
The midfielder is excited by the challenge of Scottish football and says he cannot wait to play in front of the Rangers supporters.
He added: “It’s a great stadium. I just cannot wait to get out to play and feel the atmosphere.
“I know there is a lot of intensity in the games, which is my type of play.
“I’m very excited. I heard there are a lot of season tickets that have been sold, and I can’t wait to play at Ibrox.”
MYGERS: From priority access and behind-the-scenes opportunities to special events and unique moments, MyGers brings you closer to the action on and off the pitch
RANGERS MUSEUM AND STADIUM TOURS: Experience the magic of Ibrox Stadium, with your very own ‘access all areas’ pass