The Rangers winger made his debut under Steven Gerrard at Ibrox earlier this season.
Serge Atakayi has revealed it was he who asked to leave Rangers on loan.
The Rangers winger joined the Finnish side, Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho, on a deal until 11 June earlier this week.
It follows a four-month spell on the sidelines, after he suffered an ankle injury on his first-team debut at Ibrox last November.
And in his maiden interview with the SJK official website, Atakayi explained that playing regular first-team football was his motivation for moving.
“I came here because I need more playing time. I was followed by SJK the whole winter, and when they called, I could not say no,” he said. “SJK’s head coach, Alexei Eremenko, is for me like a father and he has helped me a lot.
“Many other Finnish clubs wanted me, but I talked to Rangers and said I wanted to come to SJK. I want to play good football and I want to help this team.
“There they didn’t know SJK so well, but I said it was Finland’s best team and I would prefer to come here.”
And according to Atakayi, a successful spell in Finland could lead to first-team opportunities back at Ibrox.
“Rangers also saw that this is the best solution for me. They gave me this opportunity with a view to going back there. Steven Gerrard thinks I can play with them next season. Let’s see what happens in the summer.”
Although born in DR Congo, it is in Finland that Atakayi has spent much of his life.
The 20-year-old began his career at FF Jaro before moving to Rangers three years ago under Mark Warburton’s management.
His Ibrox deal is due to expire next summer.
Does Atakayi have a first-team future at Rangers?
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