Leon Balogun speaks of 'falling love with Rangers' after extending contract

Rangers have extended the contract of defender Leon Balogun, who signed from Wigan Athletic last summer. Picture: SNS

Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun has extended his contract with the Ibrox side.

The German, who represents Nigeria at international level, will remain until the summer of 2022 after helping Steven Gerrard’s to the Scottish title in his first season.

The 32-year-old has featured 28 times since joining on a free last summer following his exit from Wigan Athletic.

He told the Rangers website: “Today is a very happy day and a very proud day announcing my contract has been extended for another year.

“I am proud to be a part of this amazing club and I felt that pretty early on I had fallen in love with the club and the working environment, the way the players and the management staff work and the way the club is a big family, I am happy and proud that I can call myself a Rangers player.

“I am happy to be a part of the team that won the league, but what we have been saying recently is we are just getting started and I am happy that I can be a part of this. I said a few weeks in to one of my family, I wish I had been at a club and an environment like this early-on in my career.

“I am very, very happy and proud that this can now be announced. One thing too, I was never going to leave before witnessing a full Ibrox Stadium, and if everyone was happy, I was going to stay.”

Gerrard shared the delight of his player and insisted there were no qualms in extending Balogun’s stay despite his advancing age.

The Light Blues manager said: “I am delighted to secure the services of Leon for another year. Leon has been a consistent performer for me this season and has played a key role in strengthening our defence.

“His professionalism is obvious both on the field and in the dressing room as well. He is a role model for other players and has been a very positive influence within the squad.

“Although he is now 32, he can clearly continue to have a key influence in our squad for another year. I know that he is still ambitious to become a better version of himself and I know he is hungry for more success.”

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