Nikola Katic has opened up on his relationship with Steven Gerrard and how the Rangers manager helped him through his injury hell at Ibrox, via the Daily Record.
The Croatian missed all of last season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the summer of 2020. He was a regular part of Gerrard’s plans before the blow, making 59 appearances across all competitions.
Katic is now looking to get his career back on track with Hajduk Split after joining the Prva HNL outfit on loan. The one-cap international has so far featured once for 11 minutes.
Katic has shared how Gerrard helped him through his injury hell.
“I have a great relationship with Gerrard,” Katic said. “Ever since I arrived in Glasgow, he has always been honest with me. He was my support during the injury. There were good and bad days and we had not only a professional, but also a friendly relationship.
“He talked to me every day; he didn’t tell me [I had] to come to Hajduk, he told me it had to be my decision. But he gave me his advice as a player who has been through a lot in his career. He will definitely be following me.”
Katic has also shared how Gerrard stunned him upon joining Rangers as manager in 2018.
“I followed him as a player, but I wasn’t a big fan at the time like some other players. When I met him, I was blown away by the fact that he is a man who, despite his glorious playing days, still has a passion and hunger for success. I see myself trying to follow his path. I think we are quite similar in character, that’s why we have a great relationship.”
Does Katic have a future back at Rangers after Hajduk Split loan?
Katic will hope to get consistent minutes under his belt at Split to show Gerrard he still has a future with Rangers. The defender made his return from a year on the sidelines when the Gers hosted Dumbarton the Challenge Cup. Now, he is back in Croatia to play consistently.
Chances have not been too forthcoming yet, with only one substitute appearance for the Prva HNL side so far. But Hajduk’s meeting with Dinamo Zagreb scheduled for last Sunday was postponed, so will hope to get on the pitch against Primorac Biograd on Tuesday.
Gerrard will likely watch Katic’s form closely, given their seemingly close relationship and be on hand to offer advice. Keeping the £9k-a-week enforcer with the right mindset to return to Ibrox next year to potentially regain his place.
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