Rangers: Leon Balogun makes ‘unusual’ admission after what he did, ‘I said goodbye’
Rangers defender Leon Balogun has admitted it is still “unusual” for him to play at Christmas after previously having a break around this time of year when he played in Germany.
Speaking to Rangers TV (via BBC Sport, 27 December), the 35-year-old centre-back revealed he said goodbye to his family on (21 December) and that they are back in Berlin, so he wouldn’t be seeing them over the festive period.
Despite admitting that plans “fall right through the gutter” when you’re a footballer in Scotland because of the hectic schedule, he added that it’s “not the worst thing” to play for the Gers at Christmas.
“It’s nice to just play all the time,” said Balogun. “For me personally, growing up in Germany, I’m used to it now, but I said goodbye to my family on Thursday – they’re back in Berlin now, so I won’t have them over for Christmas.
“It’s still unusual because normally for me, Christmas means you pack up a week before, think about what you’re going to wear back home, meet your friends, plans that just fall right through the gutter obviously here. But then it’s not the worst thing to play for Rangers at Christmas.”
Different
It must be an entirely different experience for European players when they come to play in Scotland as it’s a massive change from what they’ve previously been accustomed to.
Balogun has been in the United Kingdom for more than five years now since signing for Brighton in 2018, but he’s clearly still not entirely used to the situation.
It’s something that never really gets spoken about, but it can’t be easy for players when they are in a foreign country and they don’t get the opportunity to spend time with their families due to the high demands on them around this time of year.
Balogun does still seem very focused, though, on doing his job for the Gers on the pitch after he has nailed down a regular place in the side under Philippe Clement over the past couple of months.
After the game against Ross County was postponed on Wednesday, the defender will be turning his attention to the Old Firm clash against Celtic on Saturday (30 December), where both clubs will be looking to steal the edge in the title race.
In other Rangers news, Kieran Maguire has revealed how an £80million Gers gap could be accelerated by the backing of Saudi Arabia.