Return to Glasgow would be a dream come true for Rino
Rangers legend Lorenzo Amoruso acknowledges his old team-mate, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, is a strong option to be the club’s new manager.
The Dutchman met with Light Blues officials in London yesterday for talks about the post left vacant by Steven Gerrard’s exit.
However, as the club look to tie up an appointment ahead of the Premier Sports League Cup semi-final against Hibs a week today, Amoruso has urged the club not to discount his Italian countryman, Rino Gattuso.
“Gio holds obvious appeal,” said the man who won nine domestic trophies with Rangers.
“As a player, he represented three huge clubs – Rangers, Arsenal and Barcelona – and was successful at each one.
“As a manager, he led Feyenoord to the Dutch title, and had good experience in China.
“I appreciate his qualities, likewise that of others such as Frank Lampard, who are being talked of.
“What I would like to think, though, is that Rino would also be given consideration.
“And it would please me a great deal if he were to be given the job.
“I have known this man for many years, and I can tell for sure that he is someone who truly loves Rangers.
“He may have won the World Cup and Champions League since leaving Rangers.
“But Rino has always told me how proud he is to have played with the club, and how much he would like to go back to Ibrox as a coach.
“I know for sure that even when he was still playing, he always kept an eye on what was happening in Scotland, so he could know if there was any chance of returning.
“He loves the country, not least because his wife, Monica, was born and raised in Glasgow.
“To go back as the manager of Rangers would be a dream come true for him.”
Amoruso, who had spells as captain of both Van Bronckhorst and Gattuso, argues it is an ambition built on solid foundations.
“Rino has had years managing Milan and Napoli, two huge Italian clubs, and showed his quality at both,” he said.
“It is my opinion, too, that he has the perfect spirit to be manager of Rangers.
“Everyone will remember the huge heart he showed as a player, and now we know he is the same as a coach.
“He is always ready to give everything for his club. That would 100% be the case if he went to Rangers.
“He would need to work on his English, but he would do that. He would do whatever it takes.”