Goldson says his goodbyes after signing Limassol deal
Connor Goldson has bid an emotional farewell to Rangers after ending his six-year association with the club to sign for Cypriot side Aris Limassol.
The defender's transfer for an undisclosed fee was announced yesterday morning, with Goldson then taking to social media for the first time in two years to write an open letter to supporters expressing his “hurt” over his Ibrox departure.
The 31-year-old, who played more than 300 games for the Glasgow giants since making the move from Brighton in 2018, also admitted his regret over not lifting more than three trophies during his time at the club – namely one Scottish Premiership title, one Scottish Cup and one League Cup.
He was a mainstay of the defence under four different managers but was dropped towards the end of last season following a dip in form and was left out of the 2-1 friendly defeat by Birmingham last week due to the club receiving a “concrete” offer.
Goldson, who has signed a three-year deal with Aris, wrote on Instagram: “Thank you Glasgow Rangers. The time has come, it's my time to get off the train and the ride that we have been on together for the past six years. This is really hard to write but I think that it is the right time to write it.
“What a six years it has been and what a pleasure it was to be a part of this amazing football club. We went through many highs and many lows together but throughout the journey I can promise you that I gave this club everything I had.
“I tried to lead by example every single day I walked into that building and
strived to make the football club a better place than when I signed. It wasn't perfect and neither was I but I can honestly sit here and look myself in the mirror and say I gave it my all and nobody cared more.
"From Ufa away and getting the club back into European football to a Europa League final, helping return the club back to Champions League football. The league title, both cups. Do I sit here and wish we had won more together? Of course. But I also sit here grateful for the memories we shared together and it's something that I don't think will ever be able to be beaten.
“I'm only back on social media to share this message with you as I haven't been able to properly say goodbye. It hurts that this is the way it has to be as it's never been my way, I never wanted to be liked for my posts on social media, and maybe being private and not speaking much with the media detached me a little. But never for one moment think I didn't appreciate the fan base and all the support you have given me in the last six years. All I wanted to be judged for was what I did on the pitch and nothing else.”
Goldson added: “Thank you to my managers, the trust you have always shown in me from the day I've walked through the door and the connections we made will always be remembered. To my team-mates, there have been many. But it's been a pleasure to share that dressing room with you, the laughter, the friendships that I have made and the memories will last a lifetime.
"Rangers will always have a place in my heart. I will always follow. And I will always cheer, because when you have been a part of this special club I don't think it ever leaves you.”