Bigirimana is now out to reap what he sows
Gael Bigirimana reckons his decision to stop viewing Motherwell as a stepping stone back to the big time could ironically be the very thing that gets him there.
The African midfielder will travel to Ibrox this afternoon on the back of some impressive performances.
And he says that is down to a change in mindset about the Scottish game, and his place in it.
“For me, last season was quite tough,” he said.
“When I first came here, I wanted to get back to the English Premier League, and the Scottish league had seemed like a great platform.
“I had been at big clubs, like Newcastle United and Rangers – which I enjoyed even though I didn’t play – and wanted to get back up to the top.
“But that was completely the wrong attitude.
“For some people, it’s OK. But for me, it’s not right. I wouldn’t want people to treat me like that.
“So I had to examine myself and that was not easy.
“I wasn’t enjoying it because my mindset wasn’t right and at one point I even wanted to quit.”
But with the help of his wife, Bigirimana had a rethink and now he believes his wife’s outlook is the right one.
“I don’t view Motherwell as a stepping stone any longer,” he said.
“I play football to help my teammates, to help the young boys, whoever I can help.
“For me, it doesn’t matter if fans have an opinion, team-mates have an opinion or if the staff might have an opinion about why I am here. I know the truth.
“We all hear people saying no player is bigger than the club and that is true.
“As long as people care about the club, it will flourish.
“I might not be here next year, or in two years, or I could be here for the rest of my career. But after I hang up my boots, the club will still be Motherwell.
“No matter where you are, if you play with the right motives, you reap what you sow.
“So, in my case, that could mean a move in the future.
“But, as I say, I am playing my football for the present, not for the future.”