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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Ianis Hagi feeling 'better than ever' as he targets major Rangers role

Ianis Hagi insists he's desperate to play a big part for Rangers in their hectic upcoming schedule after impressing again for Romania.

The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes for his country in their 4-1 Nations League romp against Cyprus and provided an assist for Florinel Coman.

But since he was brought out of the cold by Rangers boss Philippe Clement following a contract dispute, he has played just 14 minutes as a sub at Aberdeen since he made his return to first team action against St Johnstone last month, where he was later sent off after coming on as a half time sub.

He hasn't started a game for Rangers since a 3-0 win at St Mirren in May 2023, after he was sent on loan to Alaves before he was frozen out on his return.  

But he's determined to play his part with Rangers about to embark on an extremely busy schedule.

Hagi said: "Most of all I want to play. Football is my passion and I want to play. Training, anything, any level...I want to play.


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"I feel really good, better than ever and now my thoughts are on Rangers.

"We have an important final coming up and we play every three days between Christmas and New Year's Day and I want to play as much and do as well as possible.

"It hasn't been difficult for me at Rangers because I've been through a much tougher time when I was injured away from football.

"It matters to be healthy and then I know that God has a destiny for each one of us. I know that I have to be prepared and mentally calm knowing that I trained as much as I could.

"I don't think I can push myself harder than I am currently.

"It's normal, in a way, for rumours to circulate when a player's situation at a club is unclear. But my goal is to be at my maximum capacity for Rangers.

"My personal dream is to play in the World Cup in the USA in 2026 because that's where my father did so well in 1994. So I am training hard every day to fulfil that dream."

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