Giovanni van Bronckhorst breaks silence on Rangers exit and thanks fans

Former Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has broken his silence after being sacked by the Ibrox club and says he leaves with some “wonderful memories”.

The Dutchman was relieved of his duties earlier this week after the team suffered a downturn in form after reaching the Europa League final last season.

Van Bronckhorst, who had starred for the club during his playing career, had answered the call from Ibrox after Steven Gerrard left for Aston Villa and had highs and lows during his year in charge.

He said that he had given his best as manager and would remember the achievements of the team, with the European final in Seville among them.

In an Instagram post published on Sunday, he wrote: “The opportunity to manage an institution like Rangers FC is a privilege which very few are afforded.

“As a former player, I understood the responsibility and magnitude of the task.

“My backroom team and I worked with energy, passion and were driven with a belief that we could achieve amazing things. We treated our roles with respect, optimism and determination.

“We experienced some incredible highs, especially on our European journey to Seville. Winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in over a decade and qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League is something I am very proud of.

“The passion of our support drove us on to achieve those wonderful memories. For that, I am forever grateful to every single one of you who travelled near and far, spent your hard earned money, and never gave up supporting our team.”

The manager acknowledged the results that led to his departure but also, in a comment possibly referencing the injury list at Ibrox, said that there were “unique circumstances” that he had to contend with.

He said: “This season, like every year at Rangers, the first priority is domestic success. I understand the hurt when wins become draws, and worse, when we experience defeat. That isn’t acceptable at a club of Rangers standing, no one understood that and felt that more than I did. I faced unique challenges and some very difficult circumstances to operate in.

“Rangers FC will always be in my heart and I wish the club all the success for the future. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger.”

Rangers are currently searching for a new manager, with former Ibrox assistant Michael Beale the front-runner.