Rabbi Matondo details Jermain Defoe talks and gives fitness update after Rangers transfer

How does it feel to be a Ranger? 

I’m absolutely buzzing to sign for a club as big as Rangers and I’m just looking forward to getting on that pitch at Ibrox in front of the amazing fans we have here. I’m excited. 

Why Rangers? 

Big club and massive history. I wanted to create more memories and history here at the club. I felt this was the right step to take on my path. 

How much experience did you gain from moving to Germany and how has it bettered you as a player? 

A lot, not many players from the UK tend to go abroad and it was a great experience. I enjoyed every minute of playing in Belgium and Germany and seeing a lot of different things from what you’d see in the UK in terms of living and life. I feel like it’s helped me mature into what I am today. I look forward to using what I have learned and bringing it to life at Rangers. 

Why do you feel now is the time to return to Britain? 

I had a good step moving to Belgium last season and I felt whatever step I took had to be the right one and had to feel right. I just felt everything about the club, speaking to Ross [Wilson], the gaffer. It was speaking to my family as well. We all know how massive Rangers is and the interest they had in me from the get go was appreciated. So I just want to give back everything they have given to me so far. It was the right step. 

What have the conversations been with Ross and the manager? 

Litereally about everything, the majority on football but just how they see me at the club. How they have been looking at me and scouting me. Very good conversations and that’s made me even more excited to put the Rangers top on. 

You must be looking forward to working with coaches like van Bronckhorst and Roy Makaay who won so much as players? 

Yeah, one hundred percent. It’s not every day you have a manager the size of Giovanni. I’m grateful he’s had an interest in me and thinks I fit the team and his style of play. I’m grateful a manager like him has recognised me and I’m hopeful I can repay the confidence he has put in me. It’s exciting. 

Everyone knows about your pace but what other attributes can you bring? 

Goals, assists, dribbling. I’m on the front foot always. I look to help the team and defensively too when needed. As an attacker you need to give your all at the back. It’s important. I think I have some good attributes that can help create good memories for the team and fans. I look forward to it. 

When you look at the teams Rangers beat on the way to the Europa League final, does that speak volumes about the size of the club you are joining alongside the numbers we took to Seville? 

I hear about it and it was mind-blowing how big Rangers is and how passionate the fans are. When I heard about the interest it was always something I’d consider because of the magnitude of the club and the fans and history. It was a great moment to sign and hopefully we can get to more finals like the Europa League final or Champions League and in Scotland as well. I’m excited for it all. 

Can playing in European football push you towards a place in Wales’ World Cup squad? 

Of course, that’s a big target. Any player wants to represent their country on such a big stage and it’s our first World Cup in a long time and everything I can do to be a part of it, I will do. I’ve come here knowing that the club will play in Europe every year so that’s a big attraction so I’ve come here hoping to play in those big games. 

Tom Lawrence is here and Aaron Ramsey was here last season. Were they the sort of people you spoke to before signing? 

I heard a bit from Aaron at the Wales camp. He had high praise for the club and how everything is here. I’ve heard from elsewhere like Jermain Defoe. He’s told me all about it. Big names in the game have been here and experienced it so it’s only right I give it a chance myself and make great memories here. 

What stage in your pre-season are you? 

I have been training for a week in Germany. I’m in a good way. I still have a bit more to get to so I will do that and I will do anything that needs to be done before the league starts. I’m looking forward to it.