James Tavernier to leave Rangers after 11 years at Ibrox but stresses 'this isn't the end just yet'

The 34-year-old joined the Light Blues from Wigan Athletic in 2015 and became British football's highest scoring defender by netting 144 goals in 562 appearances for the club.

He has worn the Rangers armband for eight years and lifted three trophies - winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021, the Scottish Cup the following year and the League Cup in 2023.

He also skippered Rangers to the Europa League final in 2022, scoring a number of crucial goals along the way, where they lost on Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.

The right-back, who has lost his status as an automatic starter under Danny Rohl this season, announced on Instagram that he will be departing at the end of his current contract.

"After a lot of thought, I’ve made the decision that this will be my final season at the club," he posted.

"This hasn’t been an easy decision. This club has been a huge part of my life and my family’s over the past 11 years. It’s given me so much, both on and off the pitch and from the moment I arrived, I’ve always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way.

"To have had the honour of being made captain of this club since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of. Leading this team out, wearing the armband and being trusted in that role has meant more to me than I can properly put into words.

"We’ve shared the highs and the lows together and some truly incredible moments along the way.

"These include lifting the Scottish Cup, League Cup, our journey to a European final and those unforgettable European nights at Ibrox against Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, where the atmosphere was something I will never forget.

“It also includes winning the league title and delivering 55, a moment that meant everything to this club and its supporters and one I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

“To all the players I’ve shared the pitch and dressing room with over the years, thank you. The bonds we’ve built, the battles we’ve been through and the memories we’ve created are what make this game so special.

“To the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes every single day, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for the team. Your support often goes unseen, but it has never gone unappreciated.

“And to the fans, your support home and away, through every high and every difficult moment, has meant more than I can ever fully express. You are the heart and soul of this club and it has been a privilege to play in front of you.”

Tavernier stressed that he wants to sign off from Ibrox as a league champion. Rangers currently sit one point behind Premiership leaders Hearts and two ahead of Celtic with five matches remaining in the race for the title.

His statement continued: “This isn’t the end just yet. There is still a season to finish and we are fully focused on pushing for the league title. I will continue to give absolutely everything, as I always have until the very last day.

“While I feel the time is right for a new challenge, my focus right now is on finishing this season the right way, together. Thank you for everything this club has given me.

“It has been the greatest honour of my career to represent it and to lead it. This club will always be a part of me, and I will always be a part of it. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger."