Hagi reveals ‘extra motivation’ for Rangers’ Fenerbahce tie

Hagi reveals ‘extra motivation’ for Rangers’ Fenerbahce tie

Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi. (Image: Rob Casey – SNS Group)

Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi has opened up on the ‘extra motivation’ he has to get a result for his side on Thursday evening against Fenerbahce.

 

Barry Ferguson’s men are in Istanbul ahead of their crucial Europa League last 16 first leg.

 

Up against a side managed by the legendary Jose Mourinho, however, reaching the quarter-finals will be no easy feat for Rangers.

 

Hagi, though, has some extra motivation to play well and help his side succeed. Indeed, the 26-year-old was born in Istanbul, and the city holds a distinct place in his heart: “It’s definitely special to come back here and play in the town where I was born,” he said.

 

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“We have so many good memories of here as a family, so it’s special, and I’m going to enjoy it on Thursday night. The extra motivation for me is just to represent Rangers in the best way possible here.

 

“Signing for this huge club made me a better man and a better player.”

 

Hagi’s Rangers contract is up at the end of the season, with the Romanian’s future remaining uncertain.

 

He was recently quizzed on his current situation: “Out of respect to everyone, the club and my agents have to talk about my future,” he said.

 

“For me, right now, and this is really an honest answer, I don’t really think about the future.

 

“For me, it’s just about what I can do today and tomorrow to get ready for the game and from that point on what I can do to get ready for the next game and the one after that. I take it step by step.

“You guys probably know my agents so they will probably talk about my situation.”

He continued: “I don’t think this is a moment to talk about my future. My full focus now is on Rangers and the game tomorrow. I’ve been waiting to be back playing on the European stage for a year now so I’m just too excited for tomorrow to even think about that.

 

“It doesn’t even make sense to talk about the future. As you know, football changes really quickly and my focus is on tomorrow.”