Rangers star Joe Aribo has been an integral part of Steven Gerrard’s side this season as they cruised their way to their first title in a decade – and the Nigerian international has admitted that he found his first day at Ibrox “overwhelming” after being stopped by fans in the street asking for photographs.
The former Charlton ace has been a constant feature in Gerrard’s side as the Gers wrapped up 55 in record time but Aribo didn’t realise just how big the Ibrox giants were when he first moved to Ibrox from the Addicks just under two years ago.
Aribo also recalled his first Old Firm game, confessing that it passed him by as he prepares for this afternoon’s fifth and final Rangers v Celtic clash of 2020/21.
“It was a whole different ball game, Aribo told the Scottish Daily Mail.
“I was staying in a hotel initially and went into town quickly just to get a few bits and people are asking me for pictures, stopping me and I’m just thinking: ‘Wow, this is my first day, I’ve just signed’. That was overwhelming.
“Another experience was my first Old Firm game, another day that just showed me this is massive. I couldn’t hear myself thinking.
“You know when you try to speak to yourself in a game, it was so loud. The atmosphere was amazing. The occasion actually got the better of me that day and it was so much for me to take in.”
Aribo is almost certain to start for Rangers this afternoon after season-ending injuries to Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield, as well as Bongani Zungu’s ban left the Light Blues short of option in midfield.
With three wins and a draw against their bitter rivals, Rangers will be hoping to make it five unbeaten against them this season – and take a massive step towards ending the league campaign as ‘Invincibles.’
In other news, Some Rangers fans have reacted to early team news before Celtic clash
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