Rangers fans have lavished praise on the 35-year-old
Rangers fans have paid tribute to Nikica Jelavic following confirmation of his retirement from the game.
The 35-year-old had been at Lokomotiva Zagreb in his home country of Croatia since August 2020, and has now chosen to call time on a career that saw him accrue 36 international caps.
While also playing for Everton, Hull and West Ham during his time in Britain, it’s the 17 months that he spent in Scotland which will be remembered most fondly by Rangers fans.
It was his extra-time goal against Celtic that clinched the League Cup for Walter Smith’s side in 2011, and he also scored in a 5-1 win against Kilmarnock weeks later that clinched the 2011 league title.
His record of 36 goals in 56 matches endeared himself to supporters who were disappointed to see him leave for Everton in January 2012.
News that he has played his last game has led to these Rangers fans walking down memory lane.
In an article confirming the player’s retirement on their official website, Lokomotiva said: “At the age of 35, Nikica Jelavić is ending his professional career!
“Although Nikica is full of motivation and eager to play, unfortunately his health condition, specifically the knee situation, does not allow him to continue his career.
“Nikica acted as correctly as possible towards the club, where he concluded in open and honest communication that the best and fairest option is to end his football career, and Nikica showed his sporting and human greatness with this procedure as well!
“We are very honoured that the former nine of the Croatian national team, former player of Glasgow, Rapid, West Ham, Hull, Everton, is finishing his professional career at Lokomotiva Zagreb!
“Nikica rest, you deserve it!”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
