Alfredo Morelos reveals Rangers exit plan and how Steven Gerrard 'corrected' him

Alfredo Morelos has admitted that he would take the opportunity to leave Rangers in order to realise his ambition of playing in the English Premier League.
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos wants to test himself in the English Premier League. (Photo by MILAN KAMMERMAYER/AFP via Getty Images)Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos wants to test himself in the English Premier League. (Photo by MILAN KAMMERMAYER/AFP via Getty Images)
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos wants to test himself in the English Premier League. (Photo by MILAN KAMMERMAYER/AFP via Getty Images)

He has also credited Steven Gerrard for turning his career around, revealing how the Gers boss has “corrected” the disciplinary issues that threatened to derail his Ibrox career, despite amassing an impressive 93 goals in 148 starts in all competitions since joining in 2017.

The Colombian striker has been a key part of Rangers success this season, both domestically and in Europe, although it took time for the 24-year-old to hit his stride after a slow start to the campaign.

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But after scoring seven goals in his last five to help the Ibrox side lift their first league title in a decade and reach the last 16 of the Europa League, the player nicknamed ‘El Bufalo’ has opened up on his desire to test himself in England's top flight.

In an interview with Caracol Radio in his homeland, the prolific front man also discussed the “difficulties” he faced last summer following the breakdown of his proposed move to French side Lille.

"There were many difficulties with Rangers about my departure because proposals came in and the club asked for more money," he said.

"Then the transfer market closed and I spoke with the manager and said that I was going to focus on the team. The situation got back to normal and I started to raise the level of my game.

"There are opportunities now for me because I have won the league in Scotland and we are still in the Europa League.

"If we get through to the next round, we will have the opportunity to play against some very big teams and they will be watching me.”

Morelos, who is contracted to Rangers until 2023, added: "One of my big dreams is to play in the English Premier League. It is one of the best leagues in the world and there are a lot of important players and important teams.

"So if the opportunity presents itself in my career, I am going to take it.

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"It's a style of football very similar to Scottish football and I would enjoy it."

Morelos also thanked Gers boss Gerrard for mentoring him through some challenging periods in Scotland – particularly surrounding his disciplinary issues.

The striker gained an unwanted reputation as a hotheaded character after picking up seven red cards and 29 yellows during Gerrard’s first two years in charge.

There have been improvements this season, with just seven bookings and no red cards to his name, although he was retrospectively punished for a stamp on Hibs defender Ryan Porteous in January.

"Steven Gerrard has been a hugely important person in my career. He has corrected me in many aspects of my game including helping me reduce the number of yellow and red cards I was getting," Morelos said. "He's helped improve my character too.

"My football has improved so much since when I was at Medellin back home.

"When the first offer came, I decided I was taking it and didn't care that it was in Finland with HJK Helsinki. After making that decision, I have scored a lot of goals and even been rewarded by playing for my country."

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