Jermain Defoe extends Rangers stay

The veteran striker has signed up to a player/coach role at Ibrox

Published 8th Jun 2021

Jermain Defoe has signed a new Rangers deal to keep him at the club for another year.

The veteran striker will move into a joint playing and coaching role next season.

The 38-year old has made 72 appearance for the Ibrox side since joining in 2019, scoring 32 goals.

His most recent strike came in their 4-0 win over Aberdeen on the final day of the Premiership season.

Speaking to the club website about his new deal, Defoe said: "It is well-documented how much I love the club and the relationship I have with the fans, the players and the staff at the club.

"So to get the deal over the line, I am just delighted. It is something I wanted to happen, even before the season finished, especially the way we finished the season with winning the league.

"It was the perfect time to be at the football club and it was so special, so to sign another contract as a player/coach, and to still be a part of it, it is an amazing feeling for me and my family".

Manager Steven Gerrard told rangers.co.uk: “I am absolutely delighted to be retaining the services of Jermain both as a player, and now also as a coach.

“It is well-documented the relationship I have with him having known him for so many years, and I am thrilled that he is going to be passing on his amazing experience and professionalism to the attacking players throughout the club.

“He has shown this season, however, what an asset he can still be for us on the pitch, and I won’t be afraid to use him when necessary. I look forward to Jermain’s return and him beginning his new role when pre-season begins at the end of the month".