Rangers captain reveals dilemna as summer exit confirmed | OneFootball

Tavernier to Leave Rangers After Ibrox Era Nears Conclusion

James Tavernier will leave Rangers this summer, bringing down the curtain on one of the most productive and enduring modern careers at Ibrox. The captain’s decision, confirmed in his own words, marks the end of an 11 year spell defined by resilience, leadership and a remarkable goalscoring record from right back.

The 34 year old confirmed on Instagram that departing at the end of his current deal “hasn’t been an easy decision”. That sentiment reflects both personal attachment and the weight of a career spent at the centre of Rangers’ shifting fortunes.

Photo IMAGO

“This club has been a huge part of my life and my family’s over the past 11 years,” he said. “It’s given me so much, both on and off the pitch and from the moment I arrived, I’ve always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way.

“To have had the honour of being made captain of this club since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of. Leading this team out, wearing the armband and being trusted in that role has meant more to me that I can properly put into words.”

Leadership Across Changing Times

Tavernier’s Rangers journey began in 2015 when he was recruited from Wigan during a period of reconstruction in the Scottish Championship. He would help secure promotion and gradually establish himself as a central figure as the club returned to the top flight.

Ten managers have come and gone during his tenure, each bringing different demands, each leaning at times on Tavernier’s consistency. From Mark Warburton to Steven Gerrard, through Giovanni van Bronckhorst and beyond, the captain remained a constant presence. Gerrard’s appointment in 2018 proved pivotal, with Tavernier handed the armband on a permanent basis as Rangers built towards a title winning campaign.

Photo: IMAGO

His influence extended into European competition, with a run to the Europa League final and domestic silverware reinforcing his importance. More recently, under Danny Rohl, his starting role has been challenged, with Dujon Sterling often selected at right back, a reflection of both competition and the passage of time.

Final Push Before He Leaves

Even as Tavernier prepares to leave, his focus remains fixed on the closing weeks of the campaign. Rangers sit second in a tightly contested Scottish Premiership race, with Hearts narrowly ahead and Celtic within reach.

“We’ve shared the highs and the lows together and some truly incredible moments along the way,” Tavernier said. “To all the players I’ve shared the pitch and dressing room with over the years, thank you. The bonds that we’ve built, the battles we’ve been through and the memories we’ve created are what make this game so special.

“To the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes every single day, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for the team. Your support often goes unseen, but it has never gone unappreciated.

“And to the fans, your support home and away, through every high and every difficult moment has meant more than I can ever fully express. You are the heart and soul of this club and it has been a privilege to play in front of you.”

Tavernier added “this isn’t the end just yet”, a reminder that there remains work to be done before he leaves Rangers.

“There is still a season to finish and we are fully focused on pushing for the league title,” Tavernier said. “I will continue to give absolutely everything, as I always have until the very last day.

“My focus right now is on finishing this season the right way, together.”

Record Breaking Legacy at Rangers

Numbers only tell part of the story, yet Tavernier’s statistics underline his unique contribution. In 2024, he became British football’s highest scoring defender, reaching 131 goals with a strike against Hibernian. His Rangers tally stands at 144 goals in 562 appearances, with 152 across his career.

Set pieces became his domain, penalties and free kicks delivered with authority and precision. Recognition followed, including the PFA Scotland players’ player of the year award in 2021 after a prolific season.

As Tavernier prepares to leave Rangers, he does so having shaped an era that spanned divisions, managers and expectations. Few defenders have influenced a club so profoundly in both leadership and output, and his departure signals the end of a chapter that will be difficult to replicate.