 |
|
Scotland: Olivier Bernard's Rangers joy [Fri Sep 2nd, 2005]
Olivier Bernard says he has just signed for the biggest club of his career, after penning a two-year deal with Rangers.
The left-back became the third player to arrive at Ibrox in the space of 24 hours, following Francis Jeffers' loan move from Charlton and the signing of Italian striker Filippo Maniero before the transfer deadline.
Bernard spent five years at Newcastle, before a short spell at Southampton last season, but says they do not compare to joining the Scottish champions.
The 25-year-old left-back - who replaces Michael Ball - admits he was blown away by Ibrox and jumped at the chance to join the club.
He said: "It means a lot because Rangers is a massive club and I've never been anywhere that big so I'm very pleased to join. In terms of facilities and the stadium, Rangers are massive.
"I've heard that the Rangers fans are as excited at games as Newcastle fans are and I can't wait to show what I can do and that I can do well for the team. I don't know a lot about the Scottish league but I knew about Rangers. My aim now is to play as much as possible and give 100%."
Bolton and Birmingham were also chasing the signature of the Frenchman, but the Premiership clubs were forced to admit defeat when Rangers stepped in with an offer of their own.
The Ibrox club have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League this season, and there is little doubt glamour ties against Inter Milan, Porto and Artmedia Bratislava proved to be a useful bargaining tool.
Bernard has already played in the Champions League with Newcastle and he admits the opportunity to test himself at that level again was too good to turn down.
He added: "Rangers have got ambition and I do as well. We will be playing in the Champions League and that's important for me. I played there before, it was really exciting, and to play there again is great. Rangers are big enough to be able to handle the European stage and they know what they have to do to perform."
Bernard admits he is not yet match fit but has probably joined Rangers at the best possible time.
With no Bank of Scotland Premier League action this weekend, as a result of World Cup qualifiers, he now has 10 days to show he is ready for his first taste of Scottish football.
That gives him time to get a couple of practice games under his belt and he is confident he will be ready for the next SPL game against Falkirk.
He said: "My fitness is getting better. I still need a couple of practice games but I have been training with Bolton for a couple of weeks and I'm okay. In 10 days' time, I'll be able to play."
PA Sport
News headlines from around the world.