Former Rangers star Kyle Lafferty has claimed that he took a pay cut to join Rangers from Hearts last season.
The lanky Northern Irish striker was speaking after being released by the Ibrox club and opened up on his regret about blowing his second chance in royal blue.
It’s a chance big Laff was prepared to take a pay cut for, even if things didn’t work out between himself, Rangers and Steven Gerrard.
“When I joined Rangers from Hearts last summer I took a pay cut and planned to finish my career there,” Lafferty told the Daily Record.
“Things change at all clubs but it’s been difficult, the manager had his opinion and we will agree to disagree on that.
“Steven had his view on me as a player and you don’t want to be told by any manager at any club that they are going down a different route and you won’t be needed next season.
“If it’s with the team you grew up with and the team you support then it’s a hammer-blow.”
Lafferty returned to Ibrox from Hearts
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That’s something Lafferty clearly wanted to make amends for, but the big striker will feel he never really got the chance to do so.
A one-time fan favourite, Lafferty has also expressed his disappointment in not getting to say goodbye to the fans properly but assured them he’s still a bluenose at heart.
“He watched me every day in training and I will be the first to hold my hand up and admit I’m not the best trainer,” said Laff.
“My performances in training and in games are night and day.
“The manager has judged me in training and clearly that’s prevented me getting more games. The reality now is that I won’t wear that blue jersey again or play for that incredible support and it’s a horrible feeling.
“It was hard to take but you just have to take it on the chin.
“So to be shown the door after one year is painful. I need now to move on. Do I regret going back to Rangers?
“Not for one second, I’m still going to support them and go to games. That love won’t ever leave me.”
