Fallen in love: The retiring Ibrox hero says he “will always be” a Rangers fan in a heartfelt farewell letter.
Fallen in love: The retiring Ibrox hero says he “will always be” a Rangers fan in a heartfelt farewell letter.
John Lundstram says, “I’ll always be one of you,” following an emotional parting message he posted on social media to Rangers fans. The Ibrox club announced this weekend that five players, including Jon McLaughlin, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack, and Kemar Roofe, will be leaving when their contracts expire. The central midfielder was one of those players.
Prior to this season, Gers manager Philippe Clement expressed his desire to keep the 30-year-old Scouser on the team. The two sides had been in negotiations for a new contract, but Lundstram was unable to come to an agreement on conditions. It is generally anticipated that he would sign with Turkish Super Lig team Trabzonspor this summer, joining former teammate Barisic.
With Lundstram’s resignation, a remarkable three-year tenure filled with highs and lows came to an end in Govan. The former Sheffield United player joined the team under Steven Gerrard, and he participated in the Champions League, won the Scottish Cup and League Cup, and appeared in the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
His goal against RB Leipzig in front of a crowded Ibrox Stadium in the lead-up to the Europa League final was one of his most notable contributions to the Light Blues and is sure to live long in the memory of supporters. While acknowledging that it will always hurt that he was not able to win a Premiership title while he was at Glasgow, Lundstram also said that it will be hard for him to leave the team. He wished them well going forward and thanked many people, including Clement.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “It’s with a heavy heart, I say goodbye to the place I’ve fallen in love with @rangersfc. I had no idea that after three years, a location I had no relationship to would have affected me the way it has; it has definitely taken a hold on me, and I won’t be able to let go!
“It will always hurt me that I didn’t do what I came here to do and win a league title, even after the incredible highs of the two cup wins, qualifying for the Champions League, and the legendary Europa League final run, among other fantastic nights, days, and experiences! But knowing that I gave it everything I had every single day makes me incredibly proud!
Thus, I would want to thank Phillipe, Michael, Gio, and Steven. To my teammates, I am grateful. Thank you to every member of staff that the public may not see or recognize as much—you are the lifeblood of the organization! “And to all of you fans, thank you! We would all be without those priceless memories without you! I will sincerely miss our weekly meetings outside of Ibrox, our innumerable encounters throughout Glasgow, and our travels over the globe! I’ll be among you forever! Until the next occasion. Lunny.
