Calvin Bassey says he had other offers to leave Rangers - but it's Ajax which always had his heart.
The Nigerian international has moved to the Eredivisie champions in a deal worth in excess of £20 million but his competitive debut against PSV was marred by a red card. There are still high hopes for him in the Netherlands, but it almost wasn't Holland he transferred to.
Bassey has revealed that there were other offers that arrived for him, but Ajax had his heart: "I was doing pre-season with Rangers and focussing on the new season and getting in shape. Then I was told by my agent that the great Ajax wanted me. I didn't count on anything. Many things can go wrong in transfers and there was interest from other clubs too. But when I saw how hard Ajax were working to sign me, I got really excited.
READ MORE: Three things we learned as Rangers suffer VAR controversy in major Champions League setback
"I discussed it with my family and tried to keep calm even though I was very excited about the move because it's only completed when everything is signed.
"Returning to England might have been the safest option for me and of course, I know the language and the Premier League is a great competition. But it did not outweigh my desire to move to Ajax."
It's been a busy summer of comings and goings at Rangers, with Nigerian teammate Joe Aribo moving to Southampton.
READ NEXT:
- Livingston blast 'unacceptable' Rangers game scenes as 'irresponsible few' prompt Lions reaction
- Rangers star 'banned' from Livingston as David Martindale makes honest red card admission
- Joe Aribo in post Rangers viral wonder goal as he makes honest admission on Southampton transfer
- Rangers Champions League draw confirmed as Light Blues land difficult playoff assignment
