Rangers star Joe Aribo has opened up to ESPN about his decision to join the Gers this summer.
It was reported that the 23-year-old midfielder had options on the table from a vast number of clubs [Scottish Sun], but in the end, he chose to join Steven Gerrard at Ibrox.
It was a call which didn’t go down overly well at Charlton, with manager Lee Bowyer [Daily Record] and club legend Chris Powell [News Shopper], both criticising the player’s decision.
The player himself admits that apprehension surrounded the move, as he upped sticks from London and headed for Scotland.
“I was a bit nervous at first when I got here,” Aribo told ESPN. “It’s about going somewhere where you are not comfortable.”
“With Charlton I was there for four years so I was comfortable. This was just going into a new environment and there are lot of different people that you don’t know and you want to make a good first impression.
“You’re just hesitant and you don’t want to seem silly so that’s why I was a bit nervous.”
Verdict
Nerves may have been a factor early on for Aribo, but they certainly haven’t showed in his performances. For a young player, he’s impressively assured on the ball and being a left-footer, he brings a different dimension to the Gers midfield.
Since scoring on his first competitive appearance at Ibrox against St Joseph’s, things have gone extremely well for the rangy midfielder.
He’s one of the first names on the teamsheet right now, and he’s already won the affection of the Rangers faithful.
An international call-up for Nigeria is a just reward for his fine start to life at Ibrox and if he continues in this fashion, there’ll be plenty of accolades for him down the line.
