Giovanni van Bronckhorst says he feels “lucky” after being confirmed as Rangers’ new coach.
The Dutchman, 46, will replace Steven Gerrard – who has left Aston Villa – subject to being granted a work permit.
Van Bronckhorst played for Rangers from 1998 to 2001, winning five titles including two league championships.
He racked up more wins with Arsenal and Barcelona, including the Champions League with the Champions League, before leading Feyenoord to the Dutch championship.
The versatile midfielder also made 106 caps for the national team, with the Netherlands reaching the 2010 World Cup final, which was also his last game as a player.
Van Bronckhorst, whose last managerial job was a year with Guangzhou R&F in China, said he was “absolutely delighted” to become Rangers’ 17th permanent manager.
“I feel so fortunate to be working with a team that is so well positioned on all fronts and largely experienced as winners,” he added.
“I look forward to continuing and enhancing the work that has been done and I am grateful for the opportunity to work again at this huge football club.
“I can’t wait to see the club’s incredible supporters again and start this new era for all of us.”
After his brilliant playing career, Van Bronckhorst joined his first club Feyenoord as assistant to Ronald Koeman and took over Fred Rutten as head coach in 2015.
A two-time Dutch Cup winner with club Rotterdam as a player, he led them to victory in the finals in 2016 and 2018, and guided them to their first Eredivisie in 18 years. year in 2017.
After leaving his hometown in 2019, Van Bronckhorst spent a year playing in China under the guidance of Guangzhou R&F, winning 7 out of 23 matches.
The club’s sporting director Ross Wilson has confirmed the Dutchman will not attend Sunday’s Scottish League Cup semi-final against Hibernian.
On Tuesday, Rangers announced that experienced striker Jermain Defoe would take over on a temporary basis, along with fellow coaches Brian Gilmour, David McCallum and Colin Stewart.
Rangers host Sparta Prague in the Europa League next Thursday.
‘I can see how excited he is’ – said Rangers
Wilson revealed that Van Bronckhorst had been on a “long list” of coaches the club had followed “to make sure we were ready”.
Initial talks were held within 48 hours after Gerrard said he would leave Villa last Wednesday.
“Gio has shown himself as a winner, he knows the club, he knows the quality of the team and fits perfectly with our approach and mindset,” Wilson said.
“Apart from the official discussions, Gio and I have had many other intimate conversations and I can see how excited he is. I look forward to introducing him to the team soon.”
Chairman Douglas Park added that the Ibrox club will “support Giovanni and Ross to continue to make Rangers successful”.
