Joey Barton joins Rangers on two-year deal
- Joey Barton completed a medical at Rangers on Tuesday
- The 33-year-old paid tribute to Burnley ahead of his move to Scotland
- Barton says the move is the 'toughest decision of my professional life'
Rangers have announced the signing of Joey Barton, who will join the Scottish side on a two-year deal after leaving Burnley.
The 33-year-old travelled to Glasgow for a medical ahead of signing the two-year contract and being presented as a Rangers player.
The club announced that he would officially become a Rangers player when the transfer window opens on July 1.
Joey Barton poses with a Rangers scarf after completing his move to Ibrox
Barton holds up the club's shirt after completing the transfer on Tuesday
The midfielder said he would always regret it if he did not take the opportunity to join Rangers
Barton arrives at Murray Park on Tuesday to complete a medical and sign for the club
Barton shakes hands with Rangers assistant manager David Weir
Barton was Burnley's player of the year last season and was offered a one-year deal to return to the Premier League but is excited by the prospect of a new adventure with Mark Warburton at Ibrox.
He said he 'would regret it for the rest of my life' if he had not taken the opportunity to help Rangers get back to the summit of Scottish football.
'When I first found out there was potentially the opportunity to come up here, from that moment on, your blood got pumping and you thought what this could be, and what it already is,' he told the club's TV channel.
'I'm fully aware of the situation the club's been in in the last few years, but to be a part of a group that is going to put this football club back where it belongs was just an opportunity that if I didn't take it I would regret it for the rest of my life.'
Barton was Burnley's player of the year last season and was offered a one-year deal to return to stay
The 33-year-old midfielder took to Twitter to praise Burnley ahead of his anticipated exit
Barton thanked Burnley for their support after a year where they gained promotion to the Premier League
He continued: 'It was very simple. I came up, had a look around and was instantly impressed – both with what is happening at the club just now but also the history and tradition of the place.
'The gaffer and players here have made incredible progress in the last 12 months.
'Once I had walked into the building and seen what this club is about, I knew it would fit perfectly with what I wanted.
'I knew it was a place that offered me an incredible challenge and an incredible opportunity, and I am so grateful and so happy to finally be a Rangers player, and I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead.
'Coming off the back of the season I have just had, there was obviously interest, but for me, it was beyond that.
'I'm at the stage in my career – and I'm fortunate to be there – where I really want to focus on challenges. It's been well documented in the past about what playing football is to me – it's no longer a financially driven part of my life.'
Barton also posted a picture to his Instagram account, with a quote from legendary Rangers manager Bill Struth:'To be a Ranger is to sense the sacred trust of upholding all that such a name means in this shrine of football'
Paying tribute to the support he has received from Burnley fans on Twitter, Barton said: 'Thanks to all the Burnley fans and everyone connected to the club. Amazing support this year that will live with me for a lifetime.
'Toughest decision of my professional life to leave an amazing set of people and a phenomenal culture behind. Club is in a great place on and off the pitch with great custodians at the helm.
'Thanks again for the opportunity to represent your club.
'I was presented with an opportunity and challenge the competitive animal in me just could not turn down. Onwards and upwards now.'
Barton helped Burnley win the Championship but will not be a part of their Premier League return next season
Barton described the decision to move away from Burnley as the 'toughest of my professional life'
Barton joins a Rangers side preparing for their first season back in the Scottish Premiership after a four-year absence.
Mark Warburton's side will look to dislodge city rival Celtic's dominance in Scotland.
The Hoops have won the league for the last five years and unveiled former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers as their new boss on Monday.
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