Michael Beale has named the key Alfredo Morelos moments that will last as his Rangers legacy.
The Colombian hitman is moving on from the club at the end of the season after the Ibrox gaffer confirmed the news following last week's win over Aberdeen. Nothing has been reported to date on any deals being signed elsewhere. Rangers shelled out just £800k for his services from Helsinki with his current boss insisting he has more than paid back that outlay.
During his time at the club has has won the Premiership title as part of an unbeaten team under Steven Gerrard and also lifted the Scottish Cup. The Light Blues went all the way to the Europa League Final - with his mark on the club on the European stage something that will stay with him after establishing himself as the club's record European goalscorer.
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Speaking about the hitman ahead of the clash with Celtic at Ibrox, Beale said: “His legacy? He was part of an invincible league-winning side and that won’t happen for a long, long time. Or ever again. He was a key part of that team and he’s also now the club’s record European goalscorer.
“We paid £800,000 for an unknown boy from Helsinki and now he’s known in every Rangers household. He’s a player we’ll look back on in time with real fondness.
“I’ll have a lot of fond memories about working with him. One comment about one performance doesn’t change that. It is what it is and I’ll be honest, I’ve said a lot worse about him.”
He added: “Like a few of the Rangers players, he’s maybe been around a long time. We’ve had a lot of continuity which has helped us win the league, get to a European final and win the Scottish Cup.
“Now is maybe a moment for someone like Alfredo to cut himself free and try something new. It will give energy in his life and give someone else the chance to come in and fill a big void.
“I think time will heal a few things around one or two of the players who might move on.
“When you’re winning it’s a wonderful club, but when you lose it’s a tough old club to play for. You’ve got to take both in equal measure. For £800,000 Alfredo has more than paid back the outlay.”
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