GLASOW, Scotland — Glasgow Rangers have confirmed the signing of Canadian international midfielder Scott Arfield.
The 29-year-old, who agreed to a four-year deal with the Scottish Premier League team, is the first signing for newly appointed manager Steven Gerrard.
Arfield, who had been at England’s Burnley since 2013, told a news conference Monday that he was keen to play for the former Liverpool midfield great.
"I’m buzzing," Arfield said. "I’m absolutely ecstatic at getting this (move) over the line. The next chapter is going to exciting. I hope it’s as successful as my time in England. I’m back here to make it successful and I’ll do everything to make it (successful)."
The move north was not unexpected. Burnley manager Sean Dyche confirmed Rangers’ interest late last month, saying the Scottish side had contacted the English Premier League club about Arfield.
"He was a Rangers fan as a kid and also this a really good opportunity for him," Dyche said at the time.
Arfield said he had some options in England but "when this club comes in, it was a no-brainer."
A native of Livingston, Scotland, Arfield qualifies to play for Canada through his Toronto-born father. Arfield’s grandfather was in the military and was briefly stationed in Canada.
Arfield debuted for Canada in March 2016 and has won 12 caps. He called the international experience "invaluable."
He previously played club football for Falkirk and Huddersfield Town before joining Burnley in 2013.
"I feel as if I’m coming back a far better player — mentally, physically," he said of his return to Scotland.
Rangers have climbed back into the top level in Scotland after financial problems that resulted in the historic club having to drop down to the fourth tier of the Scottish league system for the 2012–13 season.
Rangers finished third in the SPL this season with a 21-10-7 record behind champion Celtic and Aberdeen.
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