Abdallah Sima has closed the curtain on his Rangers career as he delivered a touching message to fans via his Instagram account.
The Senegalese forward spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Ibrox from Brighton & Hove Albion and supporters were pleading for the club to re-sign him for the campaign ahead.
Philippe Clement was also keen for Sima to return to the club but unfortunately, a loan or permanent deal could not be struck, nor do we know if it was ever in the pipeline with regards to negotiations.
Ligue 1 side Brest clinched a deal for Sima with the Seagulls last week and Sima put pen to paper on another season-long loan deal, ending any reunion hopes with Rangers.
And now that his future has been sorted, the 23-year-old felt it necessary to deliver a proper goodbye to the Rangers fans on Instagram, as well as thanking players and staff.
Sima’s emotional Rangers goodbye
Accompanied with a video from last season, Sima wrote: “The time has come for me to say goodbye to a club for which I have a lot of affection, for which I took immense pleasure in playing for this club.
“It is very difficult to find the words but I would like to thank all the club staff, the staff, my teammates, and especially you, the supporters, who have always been there for me and for the club. It’s you who makes this club so special! 💙
“Thank you also to Michael Beale for giving me the chance to play for this great club, and thank you to Philippe Clement for allowing me to realize my dream of winning a title with this magnificent club. Come on @rangersfc ❤️🤍💙”.
Rangers fans flocked to the replies to wish him well and thank him for his incredible efforts. Current Gers star Danilo also left a message, with the Brazilian commenting: “All the best my boy 💙💙💙💙”.
Sima’s impact at Rangers
Sima became a cult hero at the club after spending last season on loan at Ibrox. The Senegalese forward took a little time to adapt after moving from Brighton & Hove Albion but soon was on the goal trail.
He scored massively important goals for Rangers, two of those being in the Europa League group stage against Real Betis home and away.
Sima also netted against Celtic in the thrilling 3-3 Old Firm derby in April to keep Rangers’ Scottish Premiership title hopes alive and kicking at the time.
He won over the fans with his goal-scoring ability and could have been the man central to Rangers winning the title.
But a serious thigh injury whilst at the AFCON with Senegal ruled him out for well over a month between January and March, missing key games as a result.
He returned briefly to the fold but a hamstring injury meant he missed most of the top-six split fixtures, his last appearance coming against Hearts on the final day.
