Jack relishing new challenge after leaving Aberdeen for Ibrox

Ryan Jack insists the excitement of taking on a new challenge in establishing Rangers as a force in Scottish football was behind his decision to leave Aberdeen.

The 25-year-old former Dons captain has signed a three-year deal with the Light Blues and becomes Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha’s second signing following the arrival of Portuguese defender Bruno Alves on Wednesday.

Jack, who will enjoy a substantial pay increase after his move from Pittodrie, said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to come to such a massive club and to have this opportunity.

“I’ve had a lot of experiences as a football player and to captain Aberdeen Football Club was a huge honour.

“I’m thankful to Aberdeen for that and to Derek McInnes but I just felt it was time for a fresh challenge and it’s one at Rangers that I’m really looking forward to.

“From what I’ve heard the club is making a few signings and bringing in a good calibre of player, so it’s exciting times and I know there are really good players already here as well.”

Jack, who played in the Dons’ Scottish Cup final defeat by Celtic at Hampden on Saturday, will have little time to rest during the summer break, with Rangers playing in the first qualifying round of the Europa League at the end of June.

However, the midfielder insists he will be ready for the early return to action with his new club.

He said: “It was a long season; we had the European qualifiers at the start, so I think it was a 50-week season we had, training for 50 weeks and playing.

“But I’ve got a couple of weeks off now, I’m getting married on June 9, so I’ve got a lot to look forward to, knowing in the back of my mind that I’m coming back to a fresh challenge with Rangers with new team-mates and a new manager. I’m going to be doing bits myself to keep myself ticking over, so when I come back I’m in good condition.

“There are only a few weeks before you could potentially be playing a competitive match again, so I’m just obviously trying to take it all in.

“I’m delighted to be here and it’s an honour to be part of this club.”

While Aberdeen supporters will be disappointed at seeing Jack sign for one of their main challengers last season, the Aberdonian insists the chance to play for Rangers was too good to turn down.

He said: “I’m just overwhelmed at the minute but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ve just spoken with the manager briefly and he told me his plans and what he expects from the team and of me.

“I’m sure when I come back in for pre-season I’ll know a lot more about what’s happening and what’s to come.

“Coming to a club like Rangers, it’s always exciting and the European football is a massive appeal. That’s something I’m looking forward to, a European night at Ibrox.”

Mexico midfielder Carlos Pena is set to become the third new signing for the Ibrox side after setting off for Glasgow yesterday.

Pena is an attacking midfielder who has scored seven goals in 19 internationals. The 27-year-old joined Chivas from Leon for a reported fee of about £7 million in December 2015 but he was loaned back to his former club a year later.

Meanwhile Ash Taylor has revealed he wanted a new challenge after deciding to leave Aberdeen.

The centre-back has left Pittodrie following the end of his contract after scoring 10 goals in 126 appearances for the Dons following his move from Tranmere.

In a statement on Twitter, the 26-year-old said: “After 3 years it is time to say goodbye to Aberdeen, I am sad to leave an amazing club, great city and a changing room like no other but I am excited to take on a new challenge and see what the future holds for my football career and my family.”

Ryan Jack has signed a three-year deal with Rangers.