The Addicks manager was infuriated when the midfielder decided to swap the Valley for the Ibrox, but he is now looking to make peace with the Nigeria international.
Lee Bowyer admits that he is delighted to see Joe Aribo doing so well at Rangers but joked that the Super Eagles ace would be cursing the Scottish weather at this time of the year.
The Charlton boss received the news of his former player’s move to Ibrox last summer badly and publicly criticised the 23-year-old.
Aribo had played a crucial role in helping the Addicks gain promotion to the Championship and Bowyer was counting on the Nigerian to help maintain the club’s new status.
However, the midfielder refused to sign a contract extension before joining Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard at Rangers.
Bowyer, at the time, insisted that moving to the Scottish top flight was a poor move and that he would not be surprised to see the player’s career hit a dead end.
But Aribo has shone under Steven Gerrard in the domestic competitions and also in Europe. He has also received international recognition with coach Gernot Rohr handing him four caps last year, including one against five-time world champions, Brazil.
Bowyer has now revealed his affection for Aribo, and he is backing the lad and his new team for success this season.
“I’m over the moon for Joe, but I bet he’s not enjoying the weather up there just now,” Bowyer told talk SPORT via TWNews.
“All I’ve ever wanted is for him to be successful, I love the kid, and he improved under us.
“Obviously I would’ve loved for him to stay with us, but he’s doing well for Rangers. I’ve got to be happy for him and Rangers.
“Hopefully, they go on and do well.”
Aribo has scored seven goals and provided eight assists from his 39 appearances across all competitions for Rangers this season.
