Rangers' long-serving captain, James Tavernier, has announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the current season, marking the end of an 11-year chapter at Ibrox. Since joining in 2015, Tavernier has been an integral part of the team, leading them to several victories, including the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and League Cup.
He also captained the team to the Europa League final in 2022. With 144 goals in 562 appearances, Tavernier is Britain's highest-scoring defender.
In a statement, he expressed his gratitude to the club, teammates, and fans, stating that he will give his all until his last day, as the team pushes for the league title. Tavernier's departure comes as his role in the team has slightly diminished, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. Despite his impressive stats, Tavernier has faced criticism from some fans and the wider Scottish football community, with some questioning his defensive capabilities.
Former Rangers manager Mark Warburton praised Tavernier, highlighting his attacking instinct, finishing ability, and passion for the game. Warburton believes that Tavernier will be greatly missed by the club and that fans will regret any negative comments made about him.