Daniel Candeias believes Rangers can win the Scottish Premiership this season under Derek McInnes, citing the current squad's understanding of the club as a key factor.
The 38-year-old former winger, who played for Rangers from 2017 to 2019, was back in Glasgow for the Tennents Sixes at Braehead at the weekend. He said he has watched some of Rangers' recent games, including the victory over Celtic at Ibrox, and is impressed by what he has seen.
Candeias impressed by young squad
Speaking about the current team, Candeias said: "I watch some games. I saw some of the game against Celtic at home. The team are doing well now and I want them to win this league. The games against Celtic were always tough but the people I see, they understand what it’s like to play for Rangers."
He added: "That is the first thing they need to know. It’s a young team, but they understand what it means to represent and play for Rangers. When there are so many young players you need to adapt to the club and to the football. Step by step, I think they’re going in a good way."
Rangers have won consecutive matches against Celtic in the league and the Premier Sports Cup under McInnes, who took over as manager after a sticky start.
Emotional return to Glasgow
Candeias, who retired three months ago, admitted his return to Glasgow was emotional. "It’s always a pleasure to be put this shirt on. It’s also nice to share some moments with my team-mates. It’s the club I love the most. I miss the club, I miss the people. When I can, I will always watch the games because the love that people here gave me was unbelievable. I will never forget it," he said.
He added: "The fans, the club, my team-mates, they all gave me so much respect, so I when I got the call to come here I said yes directly because it’s the club I love the most. It was the best time of my career. When you play for a club like Rangers, it’s amazing for your career. I left too soon, but that’s football. I’m very happy to support this jersey again. This is the first time in seven years that I have been back to Scotland. I was very emotional when I arrived on Friday, and today when I saw some faces that I know very well. I’m very, very happy to be here."
Future plans in football
Candeias, who came through the Porto youth setup, spent five years in Turkey after leaving Rangers in 2019. He returned to Portugal last year to finish his career at Academica, where he helped the club gain promotion to the second division.
He said: "I retired three months ago. The moment came to end my career and I’m proud of what I was able to do. Was it the right time to retire? Yes, I think so. Maybe I wanted to play one year more, but it’s hard. In Portugal, they want young players."
Candeias plans to stay in football, working towards a coaching license. "I’m staying with my agent and I’ll stay working in football for sure, get some coaching license and see what happens. I don’t want to be the head coach, but maybe the second coach or something like that because football is my life. I don’t want to go out from football," he said.
