Rangers loanee Ianis Hagi has claimed Romania’s qualification for Euro 2024 is a moment he’s always dreamed of.
The Ibrox playmaker is out on loan at La Liga side Alaves this season and has just scored the winner to send Romania to the European Championships in Germany.
As Rangers fans continue to raise eyebrows over the player’s loan exit in the summer, Ianis Hagi is regaining the form that saw him once tipped for the top of European football as a youngster.
Speaking after that wonderful moment in the 2-1 win over Israel, it has really capped a fairytale comeback from the devastating cruciate ligament injury sustained in 2022.
“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I first kicked a ball,” said Hagi. “I knew that, if I become a footballer, the greatest pride would be to ear the national team shirt , and the greatest joy – to represent Romania at a final tournament.
“Five years ago I received this responsibility and wore Romania’s shirt for the first time, and today I am qualified with the national team for the European Championship.
“Reality beats the dream.
“We thank those who believed in us and the previous generations who showed us the way to such achievements.
“We meet at the National Arena on Tuesday, then see you in Germany. We are going to the Euros, Romania!”
Ianis Hagi impresses with Romania
It’s really been quite the season so far for Romania star Ianis Hagi, who was farmed out on loan from Rangers to Alaves back in the summer.
Returning from the devastating cruciate ligament injury which plagued his time in Glasgow, Michael Beale would not give the player assurances over a starting place in the squad.
When Ianis Hagi went public with his complaints, then Rangers manager Michael Beale farmed him out on a season-long loan deal with no option-to-buy.
On reflection – and with Rangers then going into an injury crisis in the position – the situation has brought Beale’s management under the microscope.
Here’s an influential, attacking player impressing in Spain and at international level but who was deemed not at the level required for a stuttering Rangers.
Whilst the conversation around Ianis Hagi continues at Ibrox, well done to the playmaker for firing Romania to Euro 2024.
But perhaps we should be hoping that when the matches kick off next season, Ianis Hagi will still be a Rangers player.
