Michael Beale admits it was a tough decision to let Scott Arfield leave Rangers.
The former Canada international will depart Ibrox when his contract expires at the end of this month.
He joined from Burnely in 2018 as one of Steven Gerrard's first signings, and has proved a valuable player in the years since.
But the 34-year-old will move on to pastures new in the coming weeks, with Beale insisting it was an emotional call to make.
He said: "Scotty Arfield, it pulled on the hearts strings big time.
"As a man and person, he's been absolutely fantastic around the place. He's adored by the fans as well, not only his teammates and the staff.
"That was a real amicable conversation between the two of us over the last couple of months.
"It was on ongoing conversation around playing time and players coming in. How the squad will look and what Scott needs as well moving forward.
"A difficult decision to come to that one, but I think it's right for all parties."
Beale then also addressed the other players, including Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos and Filip Helander, as well as Allan McGregor.
The boss continued: "Ryan Kent's contribution has been fantastic for the club, certainly in big matches when you think back in Europe and then domestically.
"This season hasn't gone the way Ryan would've liked it to go, but certainly he's been an excellent player for Rangers. He's a player I've known since he was a young boy.
"And Alfredo for the outlay to what we got back, he's had an outstanding contribution to the club as European top goalscorer."
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