Gael Bigirimana happy to be settled in Scotland
Former Rangers loan midfielder Gael Bigirimana confessed he went through tears and arguments with his wife before convincing her that Motherwell was the ideal place to continue his career.
The 23-year-old has signed on at Fir Park, along with former Inverness striker Alex Fisher, after deciding to leave Coventry following their relegation to the bottom tier of English football.
Bigirimana never played for Rangers because of illness after being part of a controversial loan deal that saw four Newcastle players move to Ibrox in January 2015.
But he was so struck by life in the west of Scotland that he wanted to return when Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson offered him a two-year deal.
"I had to make a big decision because I got married last year and I just had a baby," the Burundi international told Motherwell's YouTube channel. "So me and my wife have really prayed about this decision. It hasn't been easy, trust me, there has been a lot of tears and arguments. But it's because we care for each other and we want to make the best decision for our family.
"I just made a decision. I was in Scotland with Rangers and I really loved just being in Glasgow. One thing I said to my wife was: 'If there is ever another opportunity to go back there, I will take it'.
"The reason I chose here, I just want to serve my wife and my daughter, but the biggest thing is to come here and be part of this community."
Bigirimana added: "I didn't get to play when I was at Rangers, but I am really excited to get an opportunity to experience the Scottish league.
"And I spoke to the manager and he is really passionate. And I like that, because if you are going to do something, do it with all your heart. I just can't wait to serve Motherwell."
Fisher has also signed for two years after leaving a relegated club. But the 26-year-old almost kept Caley Thistle in the top flight with six goals in their final eight Ladbrokes Premiership games - four of them against his new employers.
The 6ft 3in former Oxford, Mansfield and Torquay forward has also had spells in Spain, Belgium and Italy, and Motherwell say they fended off competition from Premiership rivals as well as Sky Bet League One clubs.
Fisher said: "It's fantastic. I spoke to the gaffer at the end of the season, had a good talk and I'm delighted to get this move over the line.
"It's a big club with a great fan base and good history. And when I spoke to the manager and he told me about his plans for this season, I knew I wanted to be a part of it so it was an easy decision."