First picture: Barton holds aloft Rangers shirt after completing transfer
By Alex Stevens
Joey Barton was pictured holding aloft a Rangers shirt on Tuesday as he completed a free transfer to the Scottish giants.
The former England international arrived in Glasgow to finalise what is a shock move and uploaded a picture to his Twitter account of him holding the club's jersey at their Ibrox headquarters.
Barton, who has completed a Rangers medical and pen to paper on a two-year contract, added a message in which he stressed the tradition and history of his new employers.
"To be a Ranger is to sense the sacred trust of upholding all that such a name means in this shrine of football," he tweeted.
Rangers confirmed on their official
that Barton has signed a two-year deal that runs until 2018 and will officially link up with his new employers on 1 July.
Barton has turned down a new contract with newly-promoted Burnley after helping them return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
On Tuesday morning, the midfielder sent a message on Twitter to supporters of the Lancashire club.
"Thanks to all the Burnley fans and everyone connected to the club," he tweeted. "Amazing support this year that will live with me for a lifetime.
"Toughest decision of my professional life to leave an amazing set of people and a phenomenal culture behind.
"Club is in a great place on and off the pitch with great custodians at the helm. Thanks again for the opportunity to represent your club.
"I was presented with an opportunity and challenge the competitive animal in me just could not turn down."
As revealed by Football Insider 10 days ago, Rangers offered Barton a contract in a bid to entice him to the Scottish Premiership next season.
He travelled to Glasgow for talks with the club and is said to have been impressed with the plans of manager Mark Warburton and his assistant David Weir.
Warburton has made no attempt to hide the club's attempts to entice Barton to Glasgow.
He said last Wednesday: "There are no secrets in Glasgow. He's a Burnley player still but he's a very talented individual, he offers an experience and the maturity we maybe need to add to the squad.
"He was in the Championship team of the year after a fantastic season for him and I'm sure he has many options but all we can do is show him what Rangers represents and see where that goes. He's sought after by many clubs so we'll see where it goes.”
Championship winners Burnley had been willing to offer the veteran a one-year deal as well as another crack at the Premier League.
But the former Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Marseille star has decided to join the Light Blues as they return to the Scottish top flight for the first time in four years.
Barton has been a revelation for Burnley this season as they secured promotion to the Premier League. He made 40 appearances and was named the club's player of the year in what was a persona and collective triumph.
In other Rangers news, one of the team's emerging stars could be playing in the Premier League next season.