SNS GroupRangers defender Leon Balogun has revealed his time at the club is over in an emotional goodbye posted on social media.
The 36-year-old made 30 appearances for the Ibrox side across all competitions during a turbulent campaign that ended at the weekend.
He helped them reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League and League Cup final, but they trailed Celtic all season, eventually finishing 17 points behind in the Premiership, and were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Queen’s Park.
Balogun has made over 100 appearances across two spells at Rangers and as he confirmed his departure on Tuesday, he said it has been “a pleasure, an honour and a great privilege” to represent the club.
In a statement released to his X account, he paid tribute to the supporters, vowed not to be a “stranger”, and revealed his disappointment at not being afforded the opportunity to say goodbye in person.
He said: “It’s that time again.
“No caption could summarise all that is going through my mind as I’m writing these lines. It’s been nothing short of an honour, a pleasure and a great, great privilege to represent this massive club – twice!
“So many memories, good ones as well as a few tough ones.
“But it’s the latter especially that made my love for the club grow even stronger. The moments when we all stuck together and went again – no matter the disappointment or frustration.
“In these moments the club revealed what makes it most special: YOU.
“The people supporting us week in week out, near and far, demanding, expecting, pushing us to do better and go for glory. The people working for the club behind the scenes, meeting us with a smile everyday, doing their absolute best to contribute to the success of the club in their own way. You’re the heartbeat of the club and it’s been an honour to represent you!
“If I would have known that the last two games of the season were my last for the club I would have made sure to say goodbye to all of you accordingly.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t afforded that opportunity, which saddens me as I would have liked to have walked round Ibrox one last time and returned all the love and support you’ve given me during my 2 stints.
“I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I promise I won’t be a stranger.
“Thank you for making me feel at home and appreciated wherever we met.
“You’ve become more than just my club, you’ve become family.
“And for that I will be forever grateful.
“All the best my people.”
The German-born Nigeria international initially signed for Rangers in 2020 and helped the club to a Premiership title, Scottish Cup and Europa League final before departing for QPR in 2022.
He returned to Ibrox a year later and was part of the side that won the League Cup under Philippe Clement in 2023.
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