Kyle Lafferty just revealed the reason why he joined rangers over Celtic

Kyle Lafferty Reveals His Determination to Join Rangers Over Celtic: “It’s Not in My Blood”

In a recent interview, Kyle Lafferty opened up about his journey from Burnley to Rangers, revealing the lengths he went to in order to secure his dream move to Ibrox. The Northern Irish striker, who joined Rangers in 2008 for £3.5 million, shared how he felt compelled to push for the transfer, even confronting Burnley’s then-manager Owen Coyle.

Lafferty’s desire to play for Rangers was so strong that he felt Burnley was obstructing his ambitions. “They were blocking me from living my dream,” he said, reflecting on the challenges he faced at the time. The striker explained that he sought guidance from more experienced individuals around him, which ultimately led him to take action. He reached out to Coyle, expressing his frustration and urging the club to accept Rangers’ bid.

During his four-year stint at Rangers, Lafferty enjoyed significant success, helping the team secure three league titles, two League Cups, and a Scottish Cup under the management of Walter Smith. However, his return to Ibrox in 2018 under Steven Gerrard did not yield the same results, as he struggled to replicate his earlier form.

Lafferty also revealed an intriguing aspect of his career: Celtic’s interest in him during his time at Burnley. The Glasgow giants were keen to acquire the young talent, and a bidding war ensued between the two clubs. Despite Celtic’s lucrative offer, which included a higher salary and a more substantial signing bonus, Lafferty’s loyalty to Rangers prevailed.

“Obviously, Celtic tried to sign me two windows before Rangers came in,” he recounted on the “Let Me Be Frank” podcast. “There was a bit of a bidding war at the time, and being from Northern Ireland, there’s only one team for me.” His deep-rooted allegiance to Rangers made it impossible for him to consider a move to their arch-rivals.

At just 19 years old, Lafferty felt the weight of his decision. He insisted that if Burnley did not accept Rangers’ offer, he would not play for the club again. “It’s not in my blood,” he declared, emphasizing the emotional connection he felt towards Rangers and the significance of the move.

Lafferty’s story sheds light on the intense rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, as well as the personal convictions that can shape a player’s career choices. His determination to join Rangers not only fulfilled his dreams but also solidified his legacy at the club, where he became a fan favorite.

As the football world continues to evolve, Lafferty’s experiences serve as a reminder of the passion and commitment that players often have towards their clubs, especially in the context of fierce rivalries like that of the Old Firm. His journey is a testament to the power of loyalty and the lengths one will go to pursue their dreams in the world of football.