Max Aarons' first Rangers words as fans told 'be excited'
After a £7 million move to the Cherries, he eventually fell out of the picture and spent the second part of last season on loan at La Liga side Valencia.
He will now spend the upcoming campaign in Scotland with the Ibrox side.
The 25-year-old has been taken by the magnitude of the club since his arrival and aims to excite the large fan base.
"Delighted to be here," he said. "It's a huge club and you realise that when you walk through the doors, so delighted to be here and can't wait to get going."
Asked what he will bring to the team, he went on: "I think I've got a lot of experience now. Different leagues and I've played a lot of games so hopefully that experience, a new energy and Rangers fans can be excited to be honest, I'm really looking forward to it."
Aarons had other options on the table from clubs down south but made the choice to head to the Light Blues for the season.
He says his decision was two-fold - the pull of Rangers but also the chance to get to work with Martin.
🎙️ Watch our exclusive first interview with Max Aarons as he spoke to @RangersTV after joining the club. pic.twitter.com/RgTbSzDqRQ — Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 25, 2025
He told Rangers TV: "I think as soon as you know a club like this, the size of this club, is interested, I think it's always going to be at the forefront of your mind.
"As soon as I knew Rangers were interested and linking up with the manager here, knowing what this club is capable of as well was huge for me."
Asked how big a factor Martin and his assistant Matt Gill were in his decision, Aarons said: "They were huge. I think first and foremost the size of the club was the main thing.
"And Russell when I was coming through at Norwich, Gilly as well, were both huge in my development.
"Little bits of advice and help along the way and those two believing in me initially, I believe, kickstarted my career at such a young age.
"They were huge in that and hopefully we can build on that and have a really, really strong season.
"That was very important for me, having that relationship with a coach and knowing how they work is huge for any player."
Despite spending almost his entire career down south, the former England under-21s star is not ignorant to Scottish football.
He says he has watched games, and in particular the Old Firm derby.
He added: "I've obviously watched it over the years, especially obviously the Old Firm games.
"Any game with Rangers involved is a huge game. Honestly, I can't wait to take in Ibrox and the fans.
"The whole thing, walking through the door here I definitely felt the weight of the shirt and how much it means to everyone.
"I was speaking with a family member and I said 'that pressure of playing for a club of this size really excites me'. I feel like I play my best when I have that."
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