Bougherra commits to Rangers

(GSM) – Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra has reiterated his desire of staying at Ibrox following his starring role for Algeria in their qualification to this summer’s World Cup finals.

The 27-year-old defender, who joined the Glasgow giants from Charlton Athletic in 2008, has been a key player at the back forging a successful partnership with David Weir.

However, there has been speculation regarding his future as in recent year Ibrox defenders Jean-Alain Boumsong and Carlos Cuellar made quick departures to the English Premier League after impressing in Scotland’s top flight.

But the Algerian insists he would rather stay than follow the path south.

“I’m happy. Everybody asks me but I’ve two years left on my contract and am going to enjoy them. I hope I can win the title again,” he told BBC Scotland.

“At the moment I don’t have this (the thought of leaving) in my head. When I signed for Rangers my life changed.

“It’s fantastic here for me and I hope to do it again next season.”

Asked if he had a message for Rangers supporters, he said: “Thank you for everything, but I don’t say this because I am leaving!

“The fans have been very good to me and have pushed me to do more.

“On the pitch when you feel the fans behind you, you give more. For footballers, when the fans love you, it’s fantastic.”

Bougherra’s career has scaled new heights after arriving at Ibrox.

He said: “I have won trophies, with Algeria we qualified for the World Cup and got to the African Cup of Nations semi-final, and there’s the Champions League.”

And he hopes to be fit to face Dundee United in the Scottish Cup on Sunday, after struggling to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in the recent Old Firm derby.

With a place in the semi-finals at stake, the Glasgow club continue their quest for a domestic treble.

However, Rangers look to be destined in lifting the Premier League title after extending their advantage at the top with 13 points over bitter cross-city rivals Celtic, with Bougherra acknowledging that the league title is within reach.

“Our destiny is in our hands,” he said. “I think we need five or six wins so we must do our best in these games and we’ll be champions.”