Rangers Star Joe Aribo Reveals His Worst Critic

The Nigeria international claims his love for winning has made him demand decent performances from himself at all times.

Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo says he blames himself the most whenever his team loses and has also revealed that he used to be called a sore loser.

The Super Eagles ace moved to the Ibrox Stadium from Charlton Athletic on a free transfer in the summer.

His quality and skills-set have seen him lock down a regular shirt in manager Steven Gerrard’s preferred starting eleven.

The 23-year-old has been a key figure in midfield as the Gers fight for silverware in the Premiership, the Scottish FA Cup, and the Europa League.

A string of excellent displays has resulted in him kicking off his international career with three-time African champions, Nigeria. At the same time, he has also been linked with a big-money move back to the England Premier League.

Aribo has scored seven goals and provided eight assists from his 39 appearances across all competitions for Rangers this season.

The attacking midfielder believes a winning mentality developed since his childhood days has helped his game improve on all fronts thus far.

“I have had that from [since I was] a little boy, and it has just continued within me,” Aribo said on the official Rangers podcast.

“Everyone called me a sore loser when I was playing in the cage because I always wanted to win, and if I didn’t win, I would be upset.

“So I definitely see that in myself as I have got older as well and playing up here because I want to win every game, I have always wanted to win every game.

“And when we don’t win, I’m disappointed, and I feel like I am mainly to blame, and I just always be harsh on myself.”

The Light Blues have lost a bit of steam in the title race recently with champions Celtic now enjoying a seven-point lead at the top of the table, although Rangers have a game in hand.