The Portuguese media continues the coverage of Rangers’ Premiership title win. This time, it’s newspaper A Bola who features an interview with Daniel Candeias.
The 33-year-old, who left the Ibrox side to join Turkish side Genclerbirligi back in 2019, was part of the beginning of Steven Gerrard’s work at the Scottish side. Now he claims this first trophy means just the start of golden years for the club.
“This is just the beginning of a sleeping giant that managed to get up and is now closer to the top,” Candeias told A Bola.
“In addition to breaking Celtic’s hegemony, it was unthinkable that this wouldn’t happen, they’re already beginning to assert themselves as a competitive club in the Europa League, where they passed the group stage and are in the round of 16. It’s the result of the firm steps they have taken.”
Speaking of manager Steven Gerrard, Candeias claims his potential was obvious the moment he took charge of the squad.
“Just his presence gave respect in the dressing room, gave you confidence. He’s a mythical figure in world football. He’s a coach who knows what the players like and who knows how to communicate with all of them, using the experience he had at the highest level. I was very happy to learn from him. Note that he has something special and will be a huge coach.”
Regarding his time with Rangers, Candeias said he’s still proud of the years he’s spent at the Ibrox, explaining he had a part in the building of this team.
“When I arrived I felt that they were very thirsty to return to titles. I could already see that the club was getting up and took the right steps to reach the championship that they wanted so much. It makes me very happy to see people celebrating. I gave my all to the club and I feel sorry for not having won any trophies, but I feel that I contributed to the moment that they live today.
“Because this work started to be done with the squad that was there three years ago. In fact, I exchanged messages with Tavernier and Morelos and they made a point of telling me that I was part of this journey. It makes me very proud.
“Signing for Rangers was the best option I took in my career. Even today, I receive countless messages asking every day to return. It’s a sign that I did a good job and that I helped the club to grow, just as they helped me to grow.”
Signed from Benfica in a €800k deal in 2018, Daniel Candeias spent two years in Scotland. He left the club with 14 goals and 25 assists in 97 appearances.
