With a heartfelt Instagram message to his followers, Abdallah Sima has officially ended his Rangers career.
The Senegalese striker was on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion for the 2023–24 season, and fans begged the team to sign him again for the upcoming campaign.
Sima’s return to the club was something Philippe Clement was also eager for, but sadly, no permanent or loan agreement could be reached, and it’s unclear if any talks had actually taken place. Ligue 1 team Sima signed a new season-long loan agreement with the Seagulls after Brest finalized his deal with them last week, dashed any dreams of a reunion with the Rangers. The 23-year-old also felt it was important to thank the players and staff on Instagram and give a heartfelt farewell to Rangers fans now that his future was secured.
Sima’s emotional Rangers goodbye
Accompanied with a video from last season, Sima wrote: “The time has come for me to say goodbye to a club for which I have a lot of affection, for which I took immense pleasure in playing for this club.
“It is very difficult to find the words but I would like to thank all the club staff, the staff, my teammates, and especially you, the supporters, who have always been there for me and for the club. It’s you who makes this club so special! 💙
“Thank you also to Michael Beale for giving me the chance to play for this great club, and thank you to Philippe Clement for allowing me to realize my dream of winning a title with this magnificent club. Come on @rangersfc ❤️🤍💙”.
Rangers fans flocked to the replies to wish him well and thank him for his incredible efforts. Current Gers star Danilo also left a message, with the Brazilian commenting: “All the best my boy
Sima’s impact at Rangers
Sima became a cult hero at the club after spending last season on loan at Ibrox. The Senegalese forward took a little time to adapt after moving from Brighton & Hove Albion but soon was on the goal trail.
He scored massively important goals for Rangers, two of those being in the Europa League group stage against Real Betis home and away.
Sima also netted against Celtic in the thrilling 3-3 Old Firm derby in April to keep Rangers’ Scottish Premiership title hopes alive and kicking at the time.
He won over the fans with his goal-scoring ability and could have been the man central to Rangers winning the title.
But a serious thigh injury whilst at the AFCON with Senegal ruled him out for well over a month between January and March, missing key games as a result.
He returned briefly to the fold but a hamstring injury meant he missed most of the top-six split fixtures, his last appearance coming against Hearts on the final day.
Read more news on
sportchannel.co.uk
Leave a Reply