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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Walker

Ronny Deila signs ex-Rangers man Gedion Zelalem for New York City five years after his Celtic Hampden heartache

Ex-Celtic boss Ronny Deila has made former Rangers loan star Gedion Zelalem his first signing for New York City FC.

The Norwegian was unveiled as manager of the MLS club last week and has wasted no time in recruiting for his new club in the USA.

He's snapped up 22-year-old midfielder Zelalem, who spent a season on loan with the Ibrox side from Arsenal when they were in the Championship four years ago.

The midfielder made 23 appearances and even started in the Scottish Cup Final against Hibs before being subbed. He also came on as a sub as Rangers defeated Deila's Celtic in the semi-final of the competition before netting a penalty in the shootout.

Ronny Deila is now Vålerenga manager in Norway (Krister Soerboe/Daily Record)

Deila said: "Gedion is a very versatile midfielder who can play across multiple positions. He’s a creative player and possesses very good technique on the ball which is vital for a midfielder in our system.

"He’s eager to begin this pre-season and we’re ready for him to get into camp and show off who he is as a player.

And Zelalem said: “I’m really excited to be joining New York City FC.

"The club has established a culture and style of play that I’m looking forward to being a part of. I know they had a great season last year and the team will only go upwards from there. It’s also a great city to live in, but mostly I’m ready to win a lot of matches in 2020."

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