Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has explained why he left Scottish club Rangers during the transfer window last summer to join Greek side Panathinaikos.
The 31-year-old joined the Gers from Italian side Cremonese in 2023, but spent just two years in Scotland before his departure, winning the Scottish Cup title in his debut campaign.
Dessers scored 52 goals from 116 appearances during his time at the former Scottish champions, until his relationship deteriorated with the club which led to his exit.
Since moving to Greece, the Nigerian forward has endured an injury hit campaign which has limited him to just a few appearances across all competitions.
Cryriel Dessers opens up on why he left Rangers
Nigerian forward Dessers enjoyed a decent time at Rangers, winning one trophy in his two seasons at the club. However, his relationship with the fans was far from straightforward and he was linked with an exit several times.
Speaking in an interview, the former Feyenoord forward revealed that the Scottish club broke their promises to him and even pushed him to consider an exit from the club as well.
“I got injured in the Scottish Cup final [of 2024]. But I remember that summer, I went home and thought ’22 goals,” the Nigerian forward said.
“I fought back from a situation where I was almost dead and buried. I thought I showed that at least I deserved the chance to be the number one striker for Rangers in the next season. Then I got a little bit of a confusing message from my agent a few days before the pre-season.
“The club had said, ‘We’re happy with Cyriel. He’s professional. He’s working hard. He’s correct. But if he wants to leave or if a good offer comes, then he’s allowed to leave.’ I thought that was a very strange message. That summer was weird. Some clubs came in, but I said, ‘No, I want to fight for my chance at Rangers’, he continued.
“But from this moment, I’m not sure I felt the full confidence from the coaching staff or club, but I thought I will fight and see. In January [2025], it was again complicated. The club told me I could leave on loan but it didn’t really [materialise].
“So I stayed and then there was like an agreement – ‘OK, after two seasons, the cycle is a little bit wrapped up. You did your job. You scored your goals. If a good offer comes in in the summer, we will let you go,” Dessers concluded.
Dessers will be hoping to return to full fitness ahead of next season after a stop-start season, and will be looking to also get back into the Super Eagles fold after injury cut short his participation at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
