Rangers fans will always have a special feeling for Ajax defender Calvin Bassey and the club’s fans were clipped serenading the Nigerian on his return to Ibrox.
A hugely popular figure during his time in Glasgow, Rangers signed Calvin Bassey following the expiration of his contract at Leicester City in 2020 and made a monumental return on that investment.
Signed for a reported £230k, Rangers sold Calvin Bassey to Ajax for £19m rising to £23m in a club record deal this summer [Athletic].
As Rangers welcomed Ajax to Glasgow, fans were clipped singing to the emotional big defender at the end of the 3-1 defeat as Calvin Bassey took the time to go over and applaud the fans.
After making his professional breakthrough at Rangers and forming such a connection with the support, it’s unlikely the Nigerian international will forget the club and there is clearly still a deep mutual respect.
Rangers fans might’ve been disappointed to be on the receiving end of defeat against Ajax at Ibrox – with Bassey contributing to it by clearly Fashion Sakala’s header off the line – but in a purely human sense everyone is delighted to see the big man doing so well.
Calvin Bassey delighted to be back at Rangers
Ahead of the game, Calvin Bassey was also speaking about his return to Rangers and revealed that he gave manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst a gift as a thank you for the role the Dutchman played in his development.
‘It’s a nice feeling being back in Glasgow. It’s nice to see familiar faces but it’s a weird feeling as well,” said Calvin Bassey.
“I will just lock in and get focused on the game. Obviously I’m an Ajax player now and for me it’s important for us to get the win. That’s what I’m focused on.
“Of course it’s important [to win the game]. You want to win every game as a player.
“So it’s important to win and secure a place in the Europa League. Of course it’s important.
“He (Van Bronckhorst) gave me an opportunity when he came. He taught me a lot and helped me get confidence. He has been very important to my career.”
Meanwhile, the fans of one Celtic legend’s former Euro club have come together to celebrate the Rangers Ultras’ latest anniversary.