Cyriel Dessers speaks out after Rangers fans boo star in recent Ibrox clash
Cyriel Dessers has responded after the Ibrox crowd booed the striker during Rangers’ 3-0 win over Aberdeen earlier in January.
The 30-year-old striker replaced Hamza Igamane, who scored the opener, in the 89th minute, before Leon Balogun and he netted in added time to seal the win at Ibrox.
Having been heavily linked with an exit during the winter transfer window, the Nigerian has faced plenty of criticism during his time in Scotland, and he has finally addressed some of the reaction.
Speaking to Andy Newport, posted via X on Monday [27 January], Dessers said: “It’s not easy, quite hard to take. But on the other hand, I’ve had a lot of positive interactions with fans around the stadium and in the city. I try to take that to heart.
“When I get out there, I just want to fight with my teammates, who I see every day, who respect me and know the effort I put in at the training ground.”
Cyriel Dessers speaks sensibly after Rangers abuse
For a player who is continuously hounded after by supporters, he is always very calm and collected when talking about the subject to the press.
While the striker has missed plenty of key chances during his time in Glasgow, his record of 39 goals in 89 appearances speaks for itself, but fans are now infatuated with young star Hamza Igamane.
The summer signing has taken over as first-choice striker, and with 13 goals in his first 27 appearances, there is absolutely no wonder why that is.
However, Dessers has clearly seen this as a challenge to improve himself, battling against the booing fans to score in three consecutive appearances in all competitions, including two incredible goals against Manchester United and Dundee United.
Football players are always going to receive criticism. Supporters are spending their hard-earned money to watch the game, travel to away matches, and buy jerseys.
Some of the criticism can go too far, though. There is a fine line between criticism and abuse, and Dessers has likely experienced both during his time in Scotland.
In other Rangers news, the Gers are monitoring a Premier League striker, who has been frozen out at his current club.
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