Ajax defender Calvin Bassey was handed a warm reception on his Rangers return by former boss Gio van Bronckhorst ahead of the final Champions League showdown
However, the Ibrox boss joked that the defender wouldn't be allowed in the home dressing room as he issued the Nigeria international directions to the away ranks before the clash with the Dutch champions on Tuesday night. Rangers landed a bumper £19.6 million windfall which could rise to £23 million for the sale of the 22-year-old after his move to Amsterdam, with Bassey playing a vital role in the run to the Europa League final last term.
In an unfortunate twist of fate for the Ibrox support, former hero Bassey could pile the European misery on in Govan and subject his former club to a pointless Group A campaign by helping Ajax to a win. A defeat could also see Rangers finish with the worst ever Champions League return with the Scottish Premiership side on course to surpass Dinamo Zagreb's dire 2011/12 campaign when they finished with no points, three goals scored and 22 conceded for a goal difference of -19.
However, the pressure of the European showdown didn't appear to be getting to Van Bronckhorst as he shared a pre-match laugh with his former player. He was snapped by VTBL as Bassey approached ahead of his pre-match press conference, shouting: "I hope you brought the gift."
However, the Nigeria international laughed saying: "I'll bring it tomorrow." Smirking Van Bronckhorst continued: "Just go in the good locker room, eh? No coming in our locker room. Make a left."
Bassey smiled back: "I'll try not to forget. But it's good (to be back)."
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