NafisaLeon Balogun has disclosed he will be departing Rangers at the end of the month – just days after stating his hope to remain at Ibrox for another season.
The 37-year-old was re-signed by Michael Beale in the summer of 2023 following a year at Queens Park Rangers in England, which came after his initial two-year spell in Govan.
Despite the club’s disappointing domestic season, the experienced centre-back – a member of Steven Gerrard’s title-winning squad in the 2020/21 season – is one of the few individuals who can take some recognition, although injuries limited him to 23 outings across all competitions.
With his contract expiring on May 31, Balogun had suggested he’d be more than willing to extend his stay at Ibrox, where a fresh deal from the new owners, 49ers Enterprises, was anticipated.
But to the Nigeria international’s astonishment, his 10-minute appearance in Saturday’s 2-2 stalemate with Hibs at Easter Road – where he limped off with a knock in the first half – will be his final outing in the Light Blue kit.
In a heartfelt message posted on social media confirming his exit, he said: “It’s that time again. No caption could summarise all that is going through my mind as I’m writing these lines.
“It’s been nothing short of an honour, a pleasure and a great, great privilege to represent this massive club – twice!
“So many memories, good ones as well as a few tough ones. But it’s the latter especially that made my love for the club grow even stronger.
“The moments when we all stuck together and went again – no matter the disappointment or frustration. In these moments the club revealed what makes it most special: YOU.
“The people supporting us week in week out, near and far, demanding, expecting, pushing us to do better and go for glory.
“The people working for the club behind the scenes, meeting us with a smile everyday, doing their absolute best to contribute to the success of the club in their own way. You’re the heartbeat of the club and it’s been an honour to represent you!
“If I would have known that the last 2 games of the season were my last for the club I would have made sure to say goodbye to all of you accordingly.
“Unfortunately I wasn’t afforded that opportunity which saddens me as I would have liked to have walked round Ibrox one last time and returned all the love and support you’ve given me during my 2 stints.
“I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I promise I won’t be a stranger. Thank you for making me feel at home and appreciated wherever we met.
“You’ve become more than just my club, you’ve become family. And for that I will be forever grateful.”
Nafisa
