Gers move’s already boosting my career
Joe loving life at Ibrox despite bitter Bowyer blast
JOE ARIBO reckons Lee Bowyer has already been proved wrong after he slated his move to Rangers.
The midfielder refused to wince when his Charlton boss told him he had blundered by opting to further his career at Ibrox.
Instead, the midfielder insisted on meeting Bowyer in person to confirm his switch and explain his decision.
Aribo has played just 30 minutes of competitive football for Rangers so far, against St Joseph’s in the Europa League, but is already convinced his transfer stacks up in every way.
Now he has vowed to alter Bowyer’s opinion on his move to the Light Blues all together as he enthused about life under Steven Gerrard.
Aribo said: “I haven’t looked into what Lee has said too much. In the end it was my decision.
“I knew he would say what he did because he is an honest guy and he had already said it to me.
“He pretty much said, ‘Don’t go there for the good of your career’, but I believe I made the right decision in coming here.
“I didn’t argue with him, I shrugged it off as I felt this was the best move for my career. After speaking to the gaffer and seeing the size of the club it was a no-brainer. “I spoke to Lee in person to tell him what I had decided and he didn’t say much at the time. I could tell he was upset, but that was more because I was leaving Charlton.
“He cares about me, he didn’t want to lose me. We got on well, we had a very good relationship and so it was hard to let him know because I knew he’d be gutted. I believe I will change his mind.”
Bowyer’s criticism of Aribo’s move, also echoed by former Addicks manager Chris Powell, may have as much to do with the crossborder compensation fee of only £300,000 Charlton will receive from Rangers.
However, Aribo is adamant his game has already improved working at Rangers under boyhood hero Gerrard.
Mind you, he would be well advised to whisper the name of his favourite team around his new head coach. Aribo said: “I shouldn’t say this,
but my team as a kid was Manchester United.
“But it’s massive to have Gerrard as my boss because he’s a hero to me. Sometimes I get caught out daydreaming and thinking, ‘Wow’.
“Every bit of information he’s given me has helped me. He’s already shown me different movements, getting into hard spaces in order to get the ball. I can’t wait to keep learning.”
Aribo has been helped to settle at Ibrox by boyhood pal Glen Kamara and they are likely to partner in the midfield tomorrow when Marseille visit Ibrox for a friendly.
He added: “I’m quite a South London boy, a home boy but after I spoke with the gaffer I knew this was the best place for me. Everyone wants to be a winner and the title challenge is added motivation.”
Everyone wants to be a winner and title challenge is added motivation JOE ARIBO