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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

I opted against Rangers transfer switch before but now is right time

New Rangers signing Joe Rothwell has revealed he opted against a move to Ibrox years ago.

The midfielder completed a transfer switch to Rangers to be reunited with Russell Martin as he joined the Govan club from Bournemouth.

However, Rothwell could have been playing for Rangers three years ago when the club had been interested in a move.

Rothwell had the choice between Rangers and Bournemouth back in 2022 and opted for a shot back in the Premier League with the English club.

Now, though, Rothwell is thrilled to have been given another chance to join Rangers - and finally experience Scottish football.

"Delighted," Rothwell said in his first press conference as a Rangers player. "As I said, it probably took a little bit longer than I would have would have liked it to, but I'm delighted it's finally done and I can't wait to get going now.


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"Yeah, just before I signed for Bournemouth, it was kind of a toss-up between the two and yeah, obviously I decided to go to Bournemouth at the time, but I’m thankful that the offer came back around this time and I jumped straight at it."

Asked why now is the right time to play for Rangers, Rothwell added: "I think selfishly I always had in my head, once when I left United as a kid, my plan was always to try and get back and play in the Premier League.

"So they gave me the opportunity to do that and it was something that I couldn't turn down at the time."

On working under Martin again, he said: "There was a little bit of interest there before the manager got the job, but as soon as I found out that he was getting it, he gave me a phone call and I was like, "Yeah, I'll be there, straight there." 

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