Connor Goldson joined Rangers from Brighton in 2018; the defender won a Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and League Cup title - plus helped Rangers reach the Europa League final in 2022; watch Rangers' Scottish Premiership opener at Hearts live on Sky Sports on August 3
Tuesday 30 July 2024 14:51, UK
Connor Goldson has left Rangers to join Cypriot side Aris Limassol for an undisclosed fee.
The 31-year-old had flown out to Cyprus for initial talks last week, before returning for Wednesday's friendly against Birmingham City.
However, he did not feature at St Andrew's and returned to Glasgow to finalise a move away from Ibrox before jetting out for a medical with his new club on Friday.
Goldson arrived at Ibrox in 2018 and has won a Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and League Cup title - plus helped Rangers reach the Europa League final in 2022.
In a lengthy post on Instagram, Goldson outlined his happiness at Rangers while also acknowledging regret that he did not win more than three major trophies.
"Thank you Glasgow Rangers," he wrote on Tuesday. "The time has come, it's my time to get off the train and the ride that we have been on together for the past six years.
"What a six years it has been and what a pleasure it was to be a part of this amazing football club.
"We went through many highs and many lows together but throughout the journey I can promise you that I gave this club everything I had.
"I tried to lead by example every single day I walked into that building and strived to make the football club a better place than when I signed, it wasn't perfect and neither was I but I can honestly sit here and look myself in the mirror and say I gave it my all and nobody cared more.
"From UFA away [Goldson's first European match] and getting the club to a Europa League final, helping return the club back to Champions League football. The league title, both cups.
"Do I sit here and wish we had won more together, of course. But I also sit here grateful for the memories we shared together and it's something that I don't think will ever be able to be beaten."
Goldson also thanked his managers and team-mates in a rare social media post.
He added: "I'm only back on social media to share this message with you as I haven't been able to properly say goodbye.
"It hurts that this is the way it has to be as it's never been my way, I never wanted to be liked for my posts on social media, and maybe being private and not speaking much with media detached me a little, but never for one moment think I didn't appreciate the fan base and all the support you have given me in the last six years.
"All I wanted to be judged for was what I did on the pitch and nothing else."
Meanwhile, Rangers remain in talks with Trabzonspor over a deal that would see captain James Tavernier leave too, and, alongside Goldson's exit, it would free up over £70,000 a week in wages as manager Philippe Clement rebuilds his squad.
Midfielder Jose Cifuentes could be the next to leave Rangers and join Aris Thessaloniki on loan with an option to buy.
Talks are ongoing over the Ecuador international's future. He moved to Ibrox last August before departing on loan to Brazilian side Cruzeiro in February.
Rangers boss Philippe Clement last week revealed Todd Cantwell had asked to leave the club.
The midfielder was again absent during the 2-1 friendly defeat by Birmingham and Clement returned to his post-match press conference to confirm the 26-year-old had handed in a transfer request.
The Belgian said: "I want to give some clarity also about one thing.
"I want to speak about Todd Cantwell who came in my office a while ago - and we have a really good relationship - to say that he feels ready for another adventure, that he wants another challenge.
"I spoke long with him, because I think Rangers is a really good club for him and I wanted to give him time also.
"But he came back with the same request, so I have to be focused in the next couple of weeks on the guys who are with their heads with Rangers for the next month to come."
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The 2024 summer transfer window is now open and will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
