John Lundstram reckons the chance of working under his idol Steven Gerrard and a crack at the Champions League has left him “buzzing” at joining Rangers.
The former Sheffield United midfielder penned a three-year Ibrox deal and can’t wait to help the club build on last season’s success after watching the historic title celebrations from afar.
Lundstram has been a long-time Light Blues target and Gerrard was decided to seal the move for the 27-year-old midfielder.
The ex-Blades man heals from the same area of Merseyside as Gerrard and is delighted at the prospect of working under the Liverpool legend, assistant Gary McAllister and Michael Beale.
Lundstram said: “The chance to work with Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister, as well as Michael Beale, was a huge draw.
“The pull of being in the Champions League was also massive for me and I want to help the team reach the group stage and make the most of that opportunity."
"The manager is from the same area as me, and I want to learn from those coaches and become a better version of myself and continue to develop under them.
"I spoke with the manager and he sold the club to me, and I was just taken aback by his ambition, vision and drive.
"I know Glasgow is like Liverpool - a proper football city with proper football fans, and I know the people are very similar and I am buzzing to be a part of the atmosphere I am moving into.
"As an outsider looking in, the scenes last season were unbelievable when the club won the league, and when I saw that, I knew I wanted to be a part of it and be a part of a club which wins more trophies for Rangers.
"There is something special still being built here and there is more to come.”
The arrival of Lundstram comes after Fashion Sakala’s earlier pre-contract signing from Oostende as Gerrard bolsters his squad.
Speaking to Rangers TV, Gerrard said: “John is a player I have known for some time and knew he would enhance our squad.
"Having played in the Premiership, he has the undoubted quality to enhance our midfield with his technical ability and physicality and I was impressed with his attitude and ambition when we spoke over recent weeks.
“John is a winner and knows what is required to succeed at a club of this stature. He will add steel and presence to our midfield along with his quality which makes our squad much stronger, and to procure a player of John’s profile and experience is very pleasing.
“Myself and the staff are looking forward to working with John. We know he is also very excited to get started at Rangers.”
Sporting Director Ross Wilson added: “John was a major transfer target as part of our squad plan this summer so naturally I am delighted that he becomes a Rangers player today.
"We quietly worked hard at this deal in the background whilst understanding there was a lot of competition for his signature.
“John has long been admired by Steven and there’s no better judge of a midfield player in my book.
"His desire to make John a Rangers player will have been a massive plus in John’s decision making I am sure.
“We know John’s qualities and we know that in joining our team, with the quality we already have, his game will elevate further still.
"He will particularly relish playing in the style of Rangers team that we have and playing in front of our huge fan base is an exciting prospect for him.
“He joins at a time where we believe at 27 years old his peak years will be with us at Ibrox.”
