Ianis Hagi hit back at speculation over his Rangers future after his dramatic late equaliser earned Barry Ferguson’s side a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen at Pittodrie — delaying Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title celebrations for at least another week.
The Romanian playmaker, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, delivered when it mattered for the Light Blues, rifling home an 96th-minute strike to salvage a point in a pulsating encounter in the Granite City.
But the post-match headlines were just as much about his future as his crucial contribution.
Reports from Romania earlier in the week had suggested Hagi was seeking an exit from Ibrox, claims the 26-year-old was quick to dismiss as “fake news” on social media.
“I understand from my perspective because my future is up in the air with the contract coming down at the end of the season. I totally understand," Hagi told Sky Sports, addressing the matter after full-time.
Read more:
-
‘Never should be seen again’: Boyd rips Rangers flops for first half Aberdeen display
-
Rangers interim Barry Ferguson called a 'chest beater', told towel thrown in on title
"But what I can not accept is things that are put, words that I haven't said ever, and I just wanted to make that clear because I never said that I wanted to leave Rangers.
“You know how happy I am to be here and how much I love this football club, and I will do anything for this football club.”
Hagi’s late strike not only spoiled Celtic’s chance to kick off another title party at Parkhead, but also lifted Rangers’ spirits ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao — especially after battling for more than half the match with 10 men following Ross McCausland’s red card.
“For me it's about focusing on Thursday,” Hagi added. “It's so important for us to give something back to the fans. It's all about that. We want to get into the next round and finish the season on a high.”
