Ianis Hagi sends message to Rangers fans after explosive twist
Ianis Hagi has thanked the Rangers faithful after he made a controversial return to the side in their 2-0 win over St Johnstone on Sunday (October 6).
Having previously been frozen out and forced to train with the reserves by manager Philippe Clement, the 25-year-old made his first appearance of the season against the Scottish Premier League strugglers.
Brought on at half-time to replace homegrown talent Ross McCausland, it didn’t take long for the Romania international to make an impact.
In the 58th minute, Hagi fizzed in a pass to Vaclav Cerny, who turned the St Johnstone defender inside out before coolly slotting home for his and Rangers’ second goal of the night.
Then, Hagi’s excitement over his return seemed to get the best of him and he was sent off in the 82nd minute for a reckless challenge on Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka.
Kimpioka dribbled past Hagi, who stuck his foot out, studs up, and caught him on the shin. After initially being given a yellow card VAR intervened and changed the on-field decision.
Ianis Hagi back with a bang for Rangers
After spending last season on loan with Spanish side Deportivo Alaves, Hagi’s future at Rangers looked bleak.
Hagi had a clause in his contract that meant he would receive a hefty wage increase if he were to make another appearance for the club, something that has since been resolved.
The Romania international remained dedicated to the cause, however, and took to Instagram to thank the fans for sticking by him.
Hagi has rejoined the Romania national team after playing a pivotal role in their impressive Euro 2024 campaign, which saw them reach the round of 16 before ultimately losing to the Netherlands.
He will have a three-game suspension to serve once he returns to Glasgow but will no doubt play a huge role in their season to come.
In other news, Rangers fans stunned by ‘shocking’ Ianis Hagi as tearful footage drops.
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