Dalcio: Ibrox support convinced me to join Rangers

Rangers new boy Dalcio claims Gers fans were the biggest factor in his move to Ibrox.

Rangers fans
Published 7th Jun 2017

The 21-year-old Benfica attacker flew into Scotland on Sunday night along with Light Blues manager Pedro Caixinha and fellow Portuguese player Fabio Cardoso, and signed a one-year loan deal to become the club's third summer signing.

The former Portugal Under-20 international told Rangers TV: "What attracted me was the history of the club, the size of the club, and mainly, the supporters - the amazing fans the club has.

"The gaffer was a real influence on me too. I know he is really competitive and ambitious, and that was the reasons I wanted to join him.

"The manager has said he is here to help me and to improve me. On the club, we need to put it on top where it belongs.

"Regarding Rangers, I heard about the club of course when I was young and a player playing with the youth teams.

"They came to Lisbon for tournaments and they would always bring lots of fans with them to support them.

"On Scottish football, I don't know too much but I know there are two big clubs. Rangers and Celtic, and mainly the way the people love football and support their teams.

"I realise the club has the need to win and the supporters always want the club to win, but I will leave the pressure off the field before I go onto it."

Dalcio will be used on either wing according to Caixinha, who spoke of an aggressive attacker.

Speaking to RangersTV, he said: He is a young Portuguese player from Benfica and the Under-21 national team and he has the characteristics to play from both wide areas.

"He is left footed but he is comfortable playing on the right, he is the type of player who is comfortable in receiving the ball and he is aggressive attacking the defenders.

"He is aggressive looking for the one-v-one and looking for finishing and he can perform on the right or left."

Caixinha has already added 35-year-old defender Bruno Alves and former Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack to his squad.

Mexican midfielder Carlos Pena arrived in Glasgow last week for talks and fellow countryman, forward Eduardo Herrera, is also in Scotland as Rangers continue their busy transfer activity.

Rangers have also been linked with a move for Norwich midfielder Graham Dorrans.

Meanwhile, Alastair Johnston has joined the Rangers PLC board.