Former Nigeria junior international, Sadiq Umar, has explained the motive behind his loan switch to Glasgow Rangers from AS Roma.
Sadiq, 21, spent the 2017/18 season on loan at NAC Breda in the Netherlands and is set to go on another temporary switch as Roma look to give their prospect the chance for regular first-team football.
And he affirmed that the presence of former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard as manager was a big factor in his decision to move to Ibrox.
“It is very good to be here, it has been good so far and I can’t wait to start. I truly am excited to be joining Rangers, it is a historical club and I can’t wait to play here,” he explained to Rangers TV.
“I found out Rangers were interested in me about a month ago when I was on holiday in Nigeria. I got a phone call from my agent and he told me about Rangers and I said let’s see what happens.
“He called me about two weeks ago and from there I started changing my mind. To be honest the plan was to stay at Roma this season but when Steven Gerrard calls you can’t say no.
“He told me about the team; even though I already knew about Rangers and that they are the most successful team in the world.
“He told me about the players and said everybody would be at my side if I came here to help me and he would also help me to go forward in my career.”
Umar was part of the Dream Team team clinched an Olympic bronze medal in 2016.
He is yet to be capped at senior level.
