Defoe vows to help write new chapter in Ibrox folklore...
JERMAIN DEFOE hopes he can write his name in the Ibrox history books after clinching a loan switch to Rangers and being reunited with former England team-mate Steven Gerrard.
The striker became the first arrival of the window for the Light Blues when he penned an 18-month loan deal from Bournemouth over the weekend and he has joined up with the Gers at their training base in Tenerife.
The move for Defoe is a significant coup for boss Gerrard and the former West Ham, Portsmouth and Tottenham star is relishing the chance to fire Rangers to silverware success this season.
Defoe said: “I am extremely happy, there has been a lot of talk and I remember seeing things in the summer over social media and people were coming up to me and saying ‘Are you coming to Rangers?’
“This was before there was even any contact so to actually be here now I am delighted. This is a massive football club and a good opportunity. This is another league for me and I am really looking forward to it.
“The history of the club, as players those are the sorts of clubs you want to play for and do well at. You want to be part of the history if you can.
“It was an easy decision to be honest – if you love your football like me and you get an opportunity like this it is hard to turn it down.
“I have been in the Premier League for so long and it is always nice to have a different challenge.
“Sometimes you are in your comfort zone there and it is nice to get away from that and just try and find that fire again and have a different challenge.
“Winning trophies was another draw, especially how well the lads have done since Stevie has been in. I mentioned before being a part of the history and doing something special here, that would be amazing to be involved in.”
Defoe has struggled for match action in recent months after falling behind the likes of Callum Wilson and Joshua King in the Cherries pecking order.
Boss Gerrard has spoken of his delight at clinching a deal for the 36-year-old and Defoe is enthusiastic about the chance to link up with the Liverpool legend once again.
“Steven had a big influence because he is an ex-team-mate and someone I have always admired,” he told RangersTV. “His enthusiasm is amazing.
“He wants to do well and like me he wants to be part of the history of Rangers and create something special.”