Arfield vows to return to Rangers ‘in some capacity’

Scott Arfield vowed to return to Rangers “in some capacity” after saying his goodbyes to the club and supporters at Ibrox on Wednesday night.

The Govan club asked fans to stay behind after the final home game of the season – a 2-2 cinch Premiership draw with Hearts – to pay tribute to the 34-year-old midfielder as well as Allan McGregor, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and long-term injured defender Filip Helander, all of whom will leave in the summer.

Arfield, who became a fans favourite following his move from Burnley in 2018, told RangersTV: “It is an amazing five years I have had here.

“I wanted to win the title when I first came and I managed to play a major part in winning the 55th title and that is something that nobody will ever take away from you.

“Success can be measured in many different ways, it can be measured in metal and money or it can be measured in friendships and legacies.

“I think I am welcome back here. As much as the supporters appreciate me, I appreciate them.

“It has been an amazing connection and it won’t stop here. I will be back at this club in some capacity one day.”

In typical fashion, veteran goalkeeper McGregor, ending his second spell at the club, was “disappointed” at losing a last-gasp equaliser to Jambos substitute Garang Kuol in his final competitive home match.

Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland opened the scoring after less than a minute and it was at the very end of the first half in which Rangers edged their way back into the game, Todd Cantwell levelling with a tidy finish.

Fashion Sakala then put Rangers ahead in the 47th minute but in the final seconds of three added minutes Kuol fired in the equaliser after some sloppy defending.

McGregor told RangersTV that he is looking forward to his testimonial game against Champions League-bound Newcastle at Ibrox in the summer.

The 41-year-old said: “It will be good. It is good that they have qualified for the Champions League.

“I am sure they will bring a good team. Hopefully the fans will come and hopefully we will have a few new signings as well. It should be a good game.”

McGregor, who came through the youth system at Ibrox, admits he will miss being a Rangers player.

He said: “I will miss the fans, I will miss the atmosphere but I will definitely be back supporting.

“The best fans in the world, they stuck through the club during the bad times and the good. I have so much respect for them. I am one myself. They are brilliant.

“When I walked through the door when I was 11 or 12 I never thought about playing more than 500 games, winning trophies, being in the Hall of Fame.

“It is definitely something special.

“It has got to end at some point and if you realise that you can handle it better.”