Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz has quashed rumors of his departure from the club this summer, asserting his commitment to making his mark in Scottish football. The left back, who endured a significant portion of the season on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, acknowledges that he initially struggled to adapt to the physical disparities between Turkey and Scotland.
Speculation in his home country has linked him with a potential return, as he fell short of the expected game time following his move from Besiktas to Rangers last summer. His former club and several others in Turkey are reportedly monitoring his situation closely.
Nevertheless, Yilmaz firmly believes that an early departure from Ibrox is out of the question, expressing his determination to deliver a significant impact in the forthcoming season. He has diligently applied himself during the off-season and intends to maintain that level of commitment as Rangers reconvene for pre-season training under the guidance of coach Michael Beale next week, with players expected back on June 30. When questioned about his future, Yilmaz provided a resolute response in an interview with TRT Sport, stating, “At the moment, I don’t have any plans to return to Turkey.”
Yilmaz, who was signed under Giovanni van Bronckhorst but was injured upon Beale’s return, observes a distinction between the two managers, noting that the former is notably more affable with the team than the current manager.
“We were more like friends with him. He used to joke with us. Michael Beale, who is currently the coach of the team, is a bit more serious,” Yilmaz remarked, highlighting the contrast in their interpersonal dynamics.
Reflecting on his initial struggles upon arriving in Scotland, Yilmaz admitted, “I was not physically ready when I first went to Scotland. They said that my physique could improve when I gained a little weight. They gave me a program, and I followed it. The physical quality is higher in Scotland. When we look at work physically, they are much stronger than us. Both training and matches are very tough. Strength in Scotland is at a very different level.”
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Yilmaz’s candid assessment underscores the physical demands posed by Scottish football, an aspect he has actively sought to address through dedicated training and conditioning. By acknowledging the disparity in physicality between the two leagues, Yilmaz emphasizes his recognition of the challenges he faced and his commitment to meeting them head-on.
As Yilmaz prepares to enter the new season with Rangers, fans can expect to witness his unwavering determination and unwavering resolve to establish himself in Scottish football. With his injury setbacks behind him, Yilmaz aims to deliver performances that showcase his improved physicality and adaptability to the rigors of the game in Scotland.