Malik Tillman has described joining Rangers on loan as the 'best decision' in his career so far as he explained his goal celebration and even sang his song from the fans.
The USA international was snapped up last summer by former Light Blues gaffer Giovanni van Bronckhorst on a season-long loan agreement from Bayern Munich with the Ibrox men holding an exclusive option to buy. New boss Michael Beale is also a big fan and has previously made it clear about wanting him back permanently but nothing has yet been determined with the Daily Mail now reporting Brighton and Brentford 'interest'.
During his first campaign in Glasgow, the 21-year-old quickly established himself as a fans' favourite and showed real flashes of quality in the big moments. He made 43 appearances in all competitions scoring 12 goals and providing five assists. He also picked up top level experience in the Champions League against the likes of Liverpool and Napoli.
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Speaking to the Rising Ballers show about his decision to leave Germany for the campaign, he explained: "I was 19 years old and I just thought you just have to play on a high level and as many games as you can so that's why I thought about going out on loan.
"When I first came to Rangers, I wasn't really nervous I was just excited to play for a massive, massive club.
"Everyone knows it is not always going to go the right way but for me fortunately it did. Going on loan was the best decision in my career so far. The best advice I got is basically 'enjoy what you do and believe in the things you do'.
"My first goal was against a Belgian team in the Champions League. We were 2-0 up and I scored the third goal. I done it [goal celebration] my first time when I was here. I don't know, my brother told me it is three which stands for me, my mum and my brother. And just a mask on to like shut down everything else."
On the fans' chant for him and reason behind his squad number, he explained "He's Malik you know and give him the ball and he'll score. So being on loan at a club and they have a song for you is just an amazing feeling.
"I wear number 71 because it's the year my mum was born in."
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