Paul Gascoigne, the legendary English footballer, recently opened up about his time at Rangers and how he almost didn't join the Scottish giants due to a misunderstanding over their name.
In an exclusive chat with Jim White on White and Jordan, Gazza revealed that he initially turned down a move to Rangers because he thought they were Queens Park Rangers. "I loved Rangers," Gazza said, "But I remember when my agent was talking to Lazio about which club I should go to. He mentioned Aston Villa and then said Rangers, so I went: 'No, I'm not going.' Then as I was walking off, he said 'Glasgow Rangers' and I was like: 'Oh I thought you meant Queens Park Rangers!'"
Gascoigne's love for Rangers
Despite the initial confusion, Gascoigne went on to have a successful spell at Rangers, lifting two Scottish Premiership titles and one Scottish Cup. He scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 51 appearances for the Gers, playing eight times in the Champions League. "I loved it up there, my time was fantastic," Gazza said.
Walter Smith's influence
Rangers icon Walter Smith played a huge part in bringing Gascoigne to the club 30 years ago. Smith, who sadly passed away aged 73 in 2021, was admired by the tricky attacking midfielder before signing him. "Walter came directly to Lazio to speak to me," Gazza explained. "I remember being on holiday and he was there and I remember saying: 'You see that guy over there, I'd love to play for him one day'...and then four years later, I did."
Gascoigne revealed that Smith told him he needed to see him upstairs in the top tier. "I said: 'What's wrong?' and he said: 'I've got to let you be here, you're a genius, I've got to let you do what you want.' But then he said: 'And no one does that with me!' He grabbed me by the throat and throttled me, saying I better score tomorrow. I did, I'm sure I got a couple of goals."
Gascoigne's time at Rangers was filled with incredible moments, both on and off the pitch. The footballing legend's love for the club and his relationship with Walter Smith are just a few examples of the beautiful game's impact on players and fans alike. However, it's a shame that Gascoigne's career was marred by off-field issues and injuries. Who knows what he could have achieved if he had stayed focused on his game.