Rangers could be heading for a repeat of the row that ended ultimately ended Craig Moore’s Ibrox career with Romanian star Ianis Hagi insisting he wants to represent his country at this summer’s games in Tokyo.
Moore was stripped of the captaincy in 2004 when he chose to represent Australia in Athens, missing a vital Champions League qualifier before leaving Rangers on a free transfer just months later.
With Hagi named in the Romanian squad for this summer’s Olympics, the Gers could potentially be without their number seven for several crucial games.
Hagi says it is “clear” he wants to go but concedes the decision is out of his hands as he waits for a definitive answer from Rangers.
“I want to play at a tournament like the Olympics,” Hagi said, as quoted by Glasgow Live. “It’s something unique. I probably won’t get a chance like this any other time in your career.
“It’s clear I want to go.
“Unfortunately, we, the players, are in a situation where it does not depend on ourselves.
“Personally, I have made it very clear to the club I want to play at the Olympics, but I don’t yet have a clear answer from Rangers.”
Rangers or Romania?
As the Olympics don’t take place during a FIFA-recognised international, Rangers are under no obligation to let Hagi go – particularly with the Light Blues already without Glen Kamara and Kemar Roofe for the early Champions League qualifiers.
The Rangers hierarchy have already, reportedly, rejected Hagi’s call-up for the Olympics but it is understandable that the 22-year-old wants to go.
Having the potential to win an Olympic medal isn’t one that comes up often so it isn’t a surprise to see Hagi wanting to grab it with both hands.
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