Claudio Braga responds to Lawrence Shankland message after Rangers move confirmed
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland has penned an emotional goodbye message to supporters following his departure from the club.
Shankland has joined Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers on a free transfer before he heads off to this summer’s World Cup with Scotland.
The 30-year-old has spent the past four seasons at Hearts, with his 16 league goals this campaign nearly firing Derek McInnes’ side to a first title since 1960.
Hearts were denied on the final day of the season where, despite Shankland’s goal, they were beaten 3-1 by Celtic, who instead claimed the crown.
Shankland may not be the only Hearts player to leave the club this summer, and McInnes now faces a tough task replacing his talisman.
Lawrence Shankland hailed as Hearts ‘legend’
After Rangers had announced that they had signed Shankland on a two-year deal, the Scotland international took to Instagram to share a lengthy message with Hearts fans.
Shankland said it was a “privilege and an honour” to have played for Hearts, whilst he was “grateful” to the fans for all their support.
| Appearances | 171 |
| Goals | 88 |
| Assists | 29 |
He said a move to Rangers was an opportunity he “simply couldn’t turn down” as the Glasgow side were his boyhood club.
Hearts teammate Claudio Braga responded to Shankland’s message by saying: “It was a pleasure sharing the pitch with you legend.”
Alexandros Kyziridis and Cammy Devlin also called Shankland a “legend” alongside a red love heart emoji.
Hearts set price tag on Claudio Braga this summer
Braga is also expected to be the subject of transfer interest this summer following his fine debut season in Scotland.
The 26-year-old forward was signed for only £500,000, meaning Hearts could net a healthy profit if they were to sell him this summer.
Only Shankland scored more than Braga’s 14 Scottish Premiership goals this season, whilst he also registered three assists.
As former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness previously told Football Insider, Braga could snub a move to Celtic or Rangers and move to the Premier League.
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom, who holds a 29% stake in Hearts, could look to bring Braga to the Seagulls, in a deal which could be agreed for £5million.
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