Steven Gerrard decided that Rangers release Bruno Alves this summer.
Rangers released defender Bruno Alves this summer and it is a decision which appears to have worked out well for everybody.
Alves was not in Steven Gerrard’s plans; Rangers’ new central defenders look like success stories, and the Portugal international signed up with Parma.
The centre-back was familiar with Italian football after a previous spell with Cagliari, and the former Rangers man is winning rave reviews at Parma.
The newly promoted side sit in a healthy ninth position in Serie A.
Ex-Rangers defender Alves is credited with playing a major impact.
Tuttomercatoweb have named Alves in their best five signings of the season so far. On a free transfer, he has been an astute addition.
Their most recent report reads: “He can be defined in all respects one of the most beautiful surprises of this first part of the season in Serie A. On his charisma and his professionalism few had doubts, but the impact that Bruno Alves had in Parma is of the highest level.
“The excellent season start of Parma, made up of 4 wins and a draw, is also thanks to the former Cagliari. Thanks to his experience and quality he also gave security to his teammates.”
Rangers made the right call to cut Alves’ spell short, as it wasn’t working out.
They wanted him to have an immediate impact last season, like he is having now at Parma.
The fact he is playing so well makes his Rangers spell bittersweet. Had he joined up this summer under Gerrard rather than last year under Pedro Caixinha, perhaps it would have gone very differently.
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