Dan Neil has explained how Jermain Defoe convinced him to join Rangers this summer.
The 24-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the club, becoming the fifth addition to Derek McInnes' squad in this window.
Neil had been on loan at Ipswich Town and was a free agent following the end of his contract at the Stadium of Light.
Despite strong interest from English clubs, Neil chose to commit to Rangers.
He will be wearing the No.6 shirt this season and has described the significant influence that former team-mate and 55 hero Defoe had on his decision to join the club.
Neil told RangersTV: "It is a new chapter for myself and I am really excited to be signing for Rangers.
"I’m really looking forward to what the next few years can bring."
Neil revealed that Defoe, along with Graeme Murty and Ross Stewart, were key in helping him make his decision.
He said: "They all spoke glowingly about the club and the area.
"They pretty much made my mind up for me.
"Jermain just said how big a club it is, he told me it was a chance to fight for trophies and to fight for titles."
Defoe told Neil that he would not regret joining the club.
Neil will now start training with the squad as the team prepares for the new season.
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The former captain of his boyhood club, Neil is expected to be a key figure both on and off the pitch.
He is eager to take on this role and has already gained an understanding of McInnes' working style.
Neil said: "I think first and foremost I give 110% for whatever club I'm playing for.
"But I think in terms of the style of player, I try and get on the ball and try and dictate games as much as I can.
"And, yeah, I'm a bit of a talker on the pitch as well so I like communicating and organising."
Neil has had several conversations with the manager, who expressed his eagerness to have him on board.
He said: "He called me quite soon after he got appointed and said all the things that people inside the club were saying to him and showed how eager he was to get us through the door.
"So yeah, I'm looking forward to eventually getting into the training ground and working with him."
Neil is particularly excited about playing at Ibrox and in front of the club's passionate fanbase.
He said: "I can't wait. That's why I've came here because I want to play in front of big crowds, up massive stadiums, so yeah, I'm really looking forward to it now. Can't wait to get started."
Neil joins Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, and Ivor Pandur as part of McInnes' new era at Ibrox.
As he prepares to make his mark on the team, Neil is keen to prove himself and contribute to the club's success.
With his strong work ethic and determination, he is set to be a valuable addition to the squad.
