Leon Balogun confirmed his resignation from Rangers, expressing “sadness” that he was unable to say goodbye to the Gers fans.
The 36-year-old centre-back’s contract expires at the end of May, and he has recently indicated his wish to stay at the Ibrox club, which is undergoing a buyout by a US group and is looking for a new manager following Barry Ferguson’s interim tenure as manager.
Balogun, in his second season with Rangers, has made 30 appearances this season, the latest of which came against Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday, when he was forced out in the first half due to injury.
In his Instagram post, he wrote: “If I had known that the last two games of the season would be my last with the club, I would have made sure to say farewell to all of you correctly.
“Unfortunately, I was not allowed the opportunity, which saddens me because I would have liked to go around Ibrox one last time and repay all the love and support you’ve shown me during my two stays.
“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 a family. “And for that I shall be eternally grateful. “All the best my people.”
The Berlin-born Nigeria international joined Rangers after leaving Wigan in 2020, and he won the William Hill Premiership title with Steven Gerrard in 2021.
Balogun departed for QPR in 2022, but returned to Govan a year later. He stated, “I have so many memories, both happy and bad.
“But it was the latter that fuelled my love for the club even more. “The times when we all banded together and went again, regardless of disappointment or frustration.
In these instances, the club demonstrated what makes it so special: YOU. “The people who support us week after week, near and far, demanding, expecting, and pushing us to perform better and strive for glory.
“The people who work behind the scenes for the club, greeting us every day with a smile and doing everything they can to contribute to the club’s success in their own unique way. You are the heartbeat of the club, and it has been an honour to represent you!”
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