Former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has revealed he warned summer recruit Rabbi Matondo he couldn't pass up the chance of a move to Ibrox.
Defoe started last season with The Light Blues as a player-coach under Steven Gerrard, but following his departure for Aston Villa and the arrival of Gio van Bronckhorst in Govan the veteran striker left the coaching staff as the Dutchman appointed his own team. After being pushed to the peripheries at Ibrox, he would make a January switch to Sunderland before retiring shortly after.
The England cap was back in Glasgow to hand out the Walter Tull Memorial Cup following Tottenham 's narrow pre-season friendly win over Rangers while carrying out punditry duties for Tottenham's club TV. Antonio Colak had opened the scoring after an assist from fellow summer arrival Matondo, before Harry Kane's double saw Antonio Conte's men claim victory over last season's Europa League finalists.
Before kick-off, Defoe opened up on talks with Matondo before he opted for a move to the Scottish Premiership. The winger struggled for game-time at Schalke but caught sporting director Ross Wilson's eye with his performances on loan at Cercle Brugge last season.
The 21-year-old has quickly caught the eye of the Ibrox faithful in pre-season with a goal against West Ham and another impressive showing against Spurs. Defoe stated he was all too happy to give the youngster advice over his future.
When asked by RTV what he though of Rangers transfer business so far this summer, Defoe said: “It’s been good, all of the players that have come in. I spoke to Ross (Wilson) there and he seems excited.
"I spoke to the manager and he is happy with the squad. I actually messaged Rabbi (Matondo) because he is part of the same agency as me.
"I messaged him before the deal was done and said good luck, and just make sure you sign a contract because you will love it. As a young lad it’s such a good experience for him to come here. I think that will help him in the long run.”
READ NEXT
