France international defender Jean-Alain Boumsong has confirmed that he has agreed to join Rangers from Auxerre.
The 23-year-old becomes available on a Bosman free transfer at the end of the season and his situation alerted a string of leading cllubs. Liverpool were expected to make a move for the highly-rated defender but somewhat surprisingly, Boumsong has opted to join Rangers.
Boumsong admitted that he was concerned that a move to Scotland might hinder his international opportunities. But he received assurances from French national coach Jacques Santini, that this would not be the case.
“I spoke to Santini and he told me to have no worries about signing for Rangers,” Boumsong told the Daily Record.
“He said they are a big club, just like Marseille, Inter Milan or anyone else. He said the most important thing is that I am playing in the Champions League or at least in the Uefa Cup.
“And I know I’ll get that for sure with Rangers.
“I was very impressed by both David Murray and Alex McLeish and also by the way I was treated during my time in Scotland.
“They showed me they wanted me and were prepared to make me an offer.
“I have talked to other clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal and Inter Milan. But they keep on telling me to wait.
“And I’m not prepared to wait for them when Rangers are showing how much they want me in Glasgow.”
