I’LL HELP HAGI SETTLE IN BUT HE AIN’T TAKING MY FREE-KICKS
Barisic tells Romanian star to get in line
well. I haven’t seen a lot of Hagi’s play, just a little bit against Croatia Under-21s at the Euro Finals because Niko Katic and some of my friends were playing.
“I’m too young to remember his dad but I’ve heard he was fantastic.
“I hear that Ianis takes free-kicks – but here he’ll have to wait for that!”
Barisic’s form, from dead balls or otherwise, has been fantastic for club and country this season.
Gerrard was keen to extend his stay with the likes of Serie A giants Roma registering an interest in the Croat. The 27-year-old claims that he was never tempted by the Italians or anyone else.
Instead, he says he signed the new deal as payback to Gerrard for standing by him at his lowest ebb.
Barisic said: “I don’t want to talk too much about it but, yes, that’s one of the reasons I signed.
“The manager helped me a lot. Even in my tough times, he stayed behind me. With the rest of the staff, he believed in me.
“I feel here it’s like a family. So I’m happy that it’s all finished now, I’m more peaceful.
“In the transfer window you hear rumours about different clubs – so it’s easier when you sign and everything is clear.
“It was nice to hear about Roma. Having clubs like that interested was a big thing for me. They’re such a huge club in Italy.
“But my full focus has always been on Rangers and I confirmed that by signing.
“I never had any doubt about staying. I feel I’ve helped Rangers and our aim now is to win the league.
“That’s a big motivation for me. How I feel here, around the city with the fans, it’s very good. So there was never a doubt in my head.
“Hearing the speculation wasn’t hard for me because from the first day, I wanted to stay.
“Of course, it’s interesting when Roma comes for you.
“But at no point did I want to go.”
Barisic is staying in Scotland in more ways than one, after Croatia confirmed they’ll base themselves at St Andrews for the Euro 2020
Finals.
If Steve
Clarke’s side qualify via the play-offs they’ll face the Croats along with
England and the Czech
Republic. And despite the prospect of facing a massive Tartan Army home support at Hampden – Barisic wants the Scots to be there. He said: “I’ll be staying in Scotland again next summer for the Euros!
“I haven’t been to St Andrews but I’ve heard it’s very beautiful. Although I’ve told Croatian people that even in the summer it can be raining here all the time. “I have to play well for Rangers to make sure I’m there and in good shape for the Euros.
“I want Scotland to quality because I have a lot of friends here now and it’s my second home. “On the other hand, a home crowd isn’t good for us!
But still, I’d like Scotland to be there.”