English defender James Tavernier has confirmed that the current campaign will be his final one at Rangers, bringing an emotional 11-season tenure at the club to a close. The 34-year-old, who has become an iconic figure at Ibrox, announced his decision to move on, describing the choice as one of the most difficult he has ever had to make.
Tavernier expressed that the club has been a massive part of his and his family’s life, and he has always strived to represent the badge with the utmost integrity throughout his decade-plus of service.
Since taking over the captaincy in 2018, Tavernier has been a central pillar of the team’s resurgence, leading the side to major triumphs including the Scottish Cup and a historic league title. In a statement released on the official Rangers website, he reflected on the highs and lows shared with the fans and the incredible moments experienced during his long stint at the club.
The right-back emphasized that while his departure is confirmed, his focus remains entirely on the remaining fixtures, particularly the ongoing challenge for the Scottish league title.
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Rangers currently sit in a competitive position in the championship round, trailing league leaders Hearts by just a single point and holding a two-point cushion over rivals Celtic.
Tavernier, playing alongside teammates such as Youssef Chermiti, has vowed to dedicate himself fully to the cause until the final whistle of his final match. He stated that the season is far from over and that he is committed to giving everything he has to help the team succeed in their title pursuit until the very last day of his tenure.
Before finding a long-term home at Rangers in the 2015/16 season, Tavernier developed his skills within the youth setups at Leeds and Newcastle. He made his senior debut for the Magpies during the 2009/10 campaign and spent time at various English clubs before his pivotal move to Scotland. His departure marks the end of an era for the club, as fans prepare to bid farewell to one of the most consistent and influential players in recent Rangers history.
