Bruno Alves: I would've joined Rangers even without European football

Bruno Alves played down the importance of European football in his decision to sign for Rangers.

Bruno Alves, right, shares a joke with Rangers team-mate Graham Dorrans. Picture: SNS

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The 35-year-old Portugal defender arrived in Glasgow at the start of the week to begin his career at Ibrox having signed a two-year deal.

However, unexpectedly to say the least, the Light Blues were already out of the Europa League qualifiers at the hands of Luxembourg minnows Progres Niederkorn.

Alves, who had a two-week break after playing for his country at the Confederations Cup this summer, said: “Even if we didn’t play European games of course I would have joined this club.

“I already know how big is this club and for me I am proud to come here and join this team.

“It was (frustrating) because I have expectations to play European games but it was not this year. Maybe it is going to be next year.

“We need to be focused now.”

The former Zenit St Petersburg, Fenerbahce and Cagliari player is looking to emulate the success he has had throughout his career during his time at Ibrox.

“It is really good to be here and join this club and meet my team-mates,” he said.

“The atmosphere was good, everybody has good expectations for the season and we are working very hard to achieve what we propose to do.

“I can bring my experience and what I have learned in football.

“I have won with almost all of the clubs I have played with and I hope to bring that again to this big club.

“I am looking forward to putting the jersey on and playing and giving my best and also learn because football is continuous learning. It is going to be

a good experience for myself.”