Bruno Alves says he would still have joined Rangers without the prospect of European football
Thursday 20 July 2017 16:09, UK
Bruno Alves says he would still have joined Rangers even without the prospect of European football after their shock exit from the Europa League.
The Portuguese was Pedro Caixinha's first signing of the summer but only joined up with his Rangers team-mates on Monday after some time off following the Confederations Cup, during which time the Ibrox side crashed out of Europa League qualifying to Progres Niederkorn in the first round.
Alves, who should be part of the side which hosts Marseille in a friendly match at Ibrox on Saturday, insists he was "proud" to join the Gers and says he would have had no hesitation in moving to Glasgow this summer even if he knew there was no European football on offer.
Asked if he would sign for Rangers if he knew they were not playing in Europe this season, he said: "Of course, even if we didn't play European games, of course I join this club because I already know how big this club is.
"For me it was a proud moment to come here and join this team.
"It was [frustrating he could not play as Rangers lost in Europe] because I had these expectations to play European games but it was not this year, maybe it is going to be next year. We need to be focused on what we have now."
Alves, who has signed a two-year deal at the club, says it was an "easy" decision to join his compatriot Caixinha at Rangers.
"It was really easy because I already know his work in Portugal and also I have some team-mates who have been coached by him before," he said.
"It was easy because he wants to win, he has a strong character and we want to be close to the best and I think he is one of the best, too."
The 35-year-old, who has made 93 appearances for Portugal and won Euro 2016 with his country, brings a wealth of experience to Ibrox following spells at Porto, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Fenerbahce and Cagliari.
However, he also says he is ready to learn and insists the atmosphere around the dressing room has been excellent despite their early-season disappointment in Europe.
"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 back 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."
Tickets for the game against Marseille are on sale now priced £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for children.
