New Rangers signing Dujon Sterling has revealed he turned down an option to stay at Stoke City in favour of sampling European football at Ibrox.
Michael Beale captured his second signing of the summer when the club announced the capture of Sterling on a four-year contract, as the 23-year-old joined from Chelsea.
Joining the London-based Premier League outfit at just eight-years-old, Sterling worked his way through the academy, before making his debut for the first-team against Nottingham Forest in an EFL cup tie in September 2017.
He then gained valuable experience with loan spells at Coventry City, Wigan Athletic, Blackpool and Stoke City and has represented England up to under-20 level.
Sterling is now ready to strut his stuff on the European stage though and he hopes to secure Champions League football with Beale’s side when the qualifiers come around at the beginning of August.
He said: “I am really excited to come to such a big club, there's a lot of history and the supporters are so passionate, so I am thrilled.
“I wasn't expecting to make my mind up about my future this quickly, but the gaffer came in for me straight away and what he proposed to me was everything that I believe I need.
“We were on the same wavelength, he believes in me and I believe in what he is trying to do as well so it was a no-brainer for me to come. As soon as I left my meeting with the gaffer I said I am signing here.
“I knew I had a lot of clubs in for me especially as I was about to become a free agent. European football was a no-brainer for me. You can’t pass that up.
“Even though I loved Stoke, I would have gone back, if you get the chance to play European football so early in your career you have to take it.”
Sterling believes his previous loan experience will help as he aims to hit the ground running in the Scottish Premiership come the start of next season.
He continued: “All of my loans were different experiences. Coventry that was my first one and I was really young at the time.
“It was difficult at the start as it was a case of ‘wow, this is men's football now’. Any mistake can cost you three points. After that realisation I played every single game. It was one of my most enjoyable loan spells.
“Blackpool was also really good. Everyone predicted us to get relegated when we first got promoted, but we showed we were comfortable and could go toe to toe with anyone in the league.
“Last year at Stoke City I enjoyed it too. I was injured at the start so it was a bit stop start but we had a really good group and the gaffer there Alex Neil, he is really good. I really enjoyed my time there.
“When you go out on loan it shows you the differences. When you are at Chelsea you see the football word completely differently.
“It is these experiences that you need to take and enjoy them as you move forward in your career.”
Rangers boss Beale commented on his latest addition, adding: “I am delighted to welcome Dujon to Rangers, he is an exciting young player who, I’m sure, will be a great addition to our squad.
“He is someone I was aware of from my time at Chelsea, and I have always kept an eye on his career as it has progressed.
“He is a very powerful and strong defender, who has fantastic attacking qualities and I look forward to working with him at Rangers.”
