Bruno Alves explains how Celtic were big part of decision to sign for Rangers
By James Black
Rangers defender Bruno Alves has revealed he was disappointed to miss last month’s Old Firm clash – and admitted that the idea of playing against Celtic was one of the main reasons he moved to Ibrox.
The 35-year-old suffered a calf injury against Partick Thistle which forced him to miss three games – including the Old Firm – as he underwent treatment in Spain.
The defender had been a mainstay in Pedro Caixinha’s side before his injury and returned to action in the win over St. Johnstone after the international break.
Alves had to watch the clash on his computer as he was in Madrid with Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo’s personal physio but thought his side played well against their bitter rivals.
“The injury was something I wasn’t expecting and the Old Firm game was one I was looking forward to,” Alves said, as quoted by the Daily Record website.
“The fixture against Celtic was one of the reasons I came to Rangers.
“It was an important challenge for me but I need to look forward and be ready for the next derbies.
“I was in therapy in Madrid and I watched the match there on my computer. It was a good game, especially in the first half, but the most important feeling is that you can compete.
“It was very difficult to watch when you can’t help but at the same time I trust my team-mates and the coach and the work we have been doing.”
Alves will captain Rangers in the absence of Lee Wallace in Sunday’s Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden as the Gers look for their first major trophy since 2011.
A win over Motherwell at the national stadium will see the Ibrox giants face either Celtic or Hibs in next month’s final and Alves will be hoping to use all his experience to help his side.
Over his 15-year career, Alves has won six titles in three different countries – Portugal, Russia and Turkey – as well as three Portuguese Cups before playing his part in Portugal’s Euro 2016 success in France.
The 95-times capped international recently played in a Confederations Cup final for his national side too, as Chile progressed to the final with a penalty shoot-out win.
In other Rangers news, Gers fans reacted on Twitter in hilarious fashion after Celtic lost to Bayern Munich.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Rangers breaking news.