“A gem of a free transfer” – Super Eagles star flooded with fans’ worship after announcing his departure

A large section of the Light Blue fan base was left stunned by the Nigeria international defender’s classy goodbye message

Super Eagles centre-back Leon Balogun has received an endless stream of goodwill messages from many Glasgow Rangers supporters who responded to his emotional goodbye message with mixed reactions.

After two successful years at the club, Rangers decided it was time for Balogun to move on, turning down the chance to activate the one-year extension clause in his last contract.

The Nigerian defender has been a crucial part of the Gers’ success in recent times.

Balogun played his part as Rangers went the whole 2020-21 season unbeaten en route to winning the club’s first Premiership title in almost a decade.

The 2021-22 campaign has been even more eventful.

Balogun scored two important goals as Rangers romped to the final of the Europa League, where they eventually fell on penalties to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Light Blues also finished runners-up to Celtic in the league race, but Balogun tasted success as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men lifted the Scottish Cup.

Still, Rangers decided the 33-year-old’s adventure with the club was done.

Balogun took the news on the chin and penned an emotional message worshipping the Rangers’ ‘crazy, passionate’ supporters.

Many fans on Twitter could not hide their disgust at the club for letting the former Wigan Athletic ace leave so soon.

And many of those were generous with their kind words in praising the veteran defender, who was signed on a free, for giving his best for their darling club.

Former Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen was among those who wished Balogun well in his future endeavours.

Balogun arrived in Rangers in July 2020 on a free transfer after taking in spells at Wigan, Brighton, Mainz, and Darmstadt 98, among several others.

In all competitions, Balogun made 65 appearances for Rangers, scoring twice and assisting three others. He leaves two international teammates – midfielder Joe Aribo and youngster Calvin Bassey – behind at Rangers.

The veteran centre-half is now one of the top Nigerian footballers without a club at the moment.