When Connor Goldson left Rangers for Aris Limassol this summer, it was perhaps the most symbolic change of the last few months.
Whilst the likes of Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack, John Lundstram and Kemar Roofe had all signed off months previously, none of these names quite held the influence of the former Ibrox vice-captain.
Connor Goldson was so ingrained in the Rangers starting XI ever since moving to Glasgow that he stands as the fastest player in the club’s history to reach 300 appearances.
The fulcrum and vocal leader of the Gerrard-era Rangers side, Goldson’s contribution to Rangers was mega over the years, even if he didn’t enjoy the consistent success he so desired.
A switch to Cyprus with Aris Limassol certainly caught plenty by surprise.
And now Connor Goldson has been talking about his motivations behind the transfer as he is unveiled to the country’s footballing press.
Connor Goldson explains Aris motivations
Given the pedigree that Connor Goldson had built up over the years at Rangers, the switch to Cyprus certainly wasn’t what supporters had expected.
Goldson had been linked to the likes of Birmingham City, with a return to England potentially the more expected switch if the defender was to leave Rangers.
But speaking to the media as he was unveiled to the press, the 32-year-old defender has explained that it’s a hunger for trophies which inspired his move to Cyprus.
Shiny bits of silver are things which may well have evaded the defender if he moved to the English lower leagues.
Of course, living in the island nation has other benefits, but Goldson is clear that he’s focused on delivering for Aris and adding to his medal collection.
“I’m not going to underestimate (the challenge of playing in Cyprus),” Goldson told an official Aris press conference [from 1:16:00].
“Because we played against Aris last year and in two games we only took one point.
“So I knew that Aris were a strong team and it’s like any league that you play in.
“I played in the Scotland league, everyone thinks it’s easy, they’re small clubs and when you play against them, football is never easy.
“When I heard about this I spoke with the owner, I spoke with the coach and I was really excited for the project.
“I was really excited to try and win championships, try and win trophies, and that’s what I came here to do.”
Rangers defender swerves Steven Gerrard question
Connor Goldson was also asked a question about the man who took him to Rangers in Steven Gerrard.
The Liverpool legend is one of the most famous names in global football and the Cypriot press were clearly hoping for some big lines about the ex-Gers manager.
It comes after Gerrard sent Connor a message of support on Instagram following the defender’s exit from Rangers.
But Goldson wasn’t so forthcoming nor willing to get bogged down in his past with the ex-Rangers defender swerving any discussion and shifting the focus back on to Aris.
“He was my manager for three-and-a-half years,” said Goldson. “We had a good relationship.
“It was nice the messages I received when I left the club. It shows everything that I gave to that football club.
“It was respected and it was taken well over the years and them messages were nice but now I am on to the next challenge.
“I am happy to be here and hopefully I make good memories here.”
Connor Goldson joined Rangers from Brighton in a £3.5m deal in 2018 before going on to make 309 appearances for the club, scoring 23 goals.
The Rangers vice-captain was a crucial part of the side and lifted one Scottish Premiership, one Scottish Cup and one League Cup apiece, whilst he also helped lead the side to the Europa League Final in 2022.
