Aluko pays his way for Rangers move

24 November 2011 19:46

Sone Aluko was so keen to move to Scottish title-holders Rangers from top-flight rivals Aberdeen, the Nigeria winger contributed personally to the compensation package.

Aluko, 22, signed a contract with Rangers until the end of the season on Thursday, with the option of a further two years.

Aluko has revealed he was so desperate to clinch a move to Rangers that he contributed personally to the compensation package agreed with former club Aberdeen.

"It's good to be here," Aluko told Blues News. "It was great to get everything sorted out and as soon as I got the opportunity to come here, it was what I wanted.

"Anyone who has played in Scotland for longer than five minutes knows all about Rangers and Celtic and this is the biggest team in the country in my opinion.

"I had three days to wait before I actually got to come here for my trial so I'd had a chance to calm down by the time I arrived.

"I've not played a lot in the last four months but I knew that if I got an opportunity like this I had to be ready for it so I've kept working hard.

"There was a bit of a stand-off between the clubs for a while over compensation and that could have dragged on with tribunals and all the rest.

"But at some point someone is going to have to compromise and make a sacrifice and I'm the one who did that.

"I've almost bent over backwards to be here. Once I got the chance, I was adamant I wanted to be at Rangers and I can't thank the people around me enough for helping me get here.

"Now I'm ready to play if the manager needs me. I'll do that any time and although I'm a bit behind the boys, I'll do my best and give my all."

Rangers first-team coach Ian Durrant said Aluko could help the Glasgow giants cope with the loss of Steven Naismith, out for the rest of the season with cruciate ligament damage.

"It's well known with Steven being out that we're short up front and Sone can play in a variety of positions.

"He has also been in the SPL for a few years with Aberdeen so he brings a bit of experience to the team for such a young lad.

"It's not often you get the calibre of a player of Sone Aluko on a freedom of contract. He will be a great addition."

Source: AFP