A number of Glasgow Rangers fans have taken to Twitter following Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard’s comments on Joe Aribo in what has widely been interpreted as a cheeky dig at Charlton Athletic and Lee Bowyer, as per the Gers official media team.
The 23-year-old’s decision to move to Rangers from Charlton in the summer was criticised by Addicks boss Bowyer and predecessor Chris Powell, with the former Leeds United and England midfielder claiming a switch to Ibrox would not benefit his career.
Aribo has just returned from Nigeria duty, having won his first cap with the Super Eagles in the 2-2 draw with Ukraine, and getting on the scoresheet too, which led to Gerrard telling the press that his player is most definitely in the right place for the sake of his career.
“I spoke to Joe, he was on a recovery day. He is in a fantastic place, smiling away,” said the Ibrox boss on Thursday. “Congratulations to him, his first game and he manages to get a goal. And he was rewarded for his form as a Rangers player. It was his first call-up so it shows you he’s at the right place, playing football at the right level: European football, playing in Old Firms. At last he has been recognised as an international player.
“Joe Aribo is in the right place, trust me. They must have started watching him since he was playing for Rangers. They must be happy with him playing in Europa League games and playing in front of 51,000. The people who select for the Nigerian national team know now that he can play in big football games. I don’t know many players in the Championship who are playing for Nigeria.”
The Rangers manager’s comments – along with the Ibrox club’s Twitter post and choice of image the day after – were music to the ears of many Bears, who took to Twitter to have their say:
Here are some earlier comments:
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