Fans factor in Dalcio decision

RANGERS new boy Dalcio claims Gers fans were the biggest factor in his move to Ibrox.

The 21-year-old Benfica attacker flew into Scotland on Sunday night along with Light Blues manager Pedro Caixinha and fellow Portuguese player Fabio Cardoso, and signed a one-year l oan deal to become the club’s third summer signing.

The former Portugal U/20 international said: “What attracted me was the history of the club, the size of the club and, mainly, the supporters — the amazing fans the club has.

“The gaffer was a real influence on me, too. I know he is really competitive and ambitious, and that was the reasons I wanted to join him.

“The manager has said he is here to help me and to improve me. On the club, we need to put it on top where it belongs.

“Regarding Rangers, I heard about the club of course when I was young and a player playing with the youth teams.

“They came to Lisbon for tournaments and they would always bring lots of fans with them to support them.

“On Scottish football, I don’t know too much but I know there are two big clubs — Rangers and Celtic — and mainly the way the people love football and support their teams.

“I realise the club has the need to win and the supporters always want the club to win but I will leave the pressure off the field before I go on to it.”

Dalcio will be used on either wing according to boss Caixinha, who spoke highly of the aggressive attacker.

He said: “He is a young Portuguese player from Benfica and the U/21 national team and he has the characteristics to play from both wide areas.

“He is left footed but he is comfortable playing on the right, he i s the type of player who is comfortable in receiving the ball and he is aggressive attacking the defenders.

“He is aggressive looking for t he one-v-one and looking for finishing and he can perform on the right or left.”

Dalcio has signed a one-year loan deal with Rangers.