Jack Butland has opened up about his 'bittersweet' departure from Rangers, admitting he had no intention of leaving Ibrox this summer. The 33-year-old goalkeeper was sold to Hull City in a £3 million deal, with Croatian shot-stopper Ivor Pandur moving in the opposite direction for £6 million.
Butland's Shock at Sudden Exit
Speaking on talkSPORT, Butland revealed that the transfer came as a complete surprise. Just two weeks earlier, he had expressed excitement about working under new Rangers manager Derek McInnes. 'It's incredible. I had no idea at that point that I was going to leave,' Butland said. 'No truer words were said last time, so it's a bittersweet one.'
The former Rangers No.1 admitted that leaving the club was emotionally difficult. 'Letting go, I don't think you can when you've been at a club like Rangers. You don't really let go. It's been really tough,' he added.
A Major Shakeup Between the Sticks
The swap deal represents a significant overhaul of Rangers' goalkeeping department. Butland, who had been the first-choice keeper for three seasons, was sold to Hull, where he now faces competition for the starting spot. Hull's interest in Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic means Butland will have to fight for the gloves.
Despite the challenges, Butland expressed excitement about his new opportunity. 'It's bittersweet, sad to leave, but really excited about the opportunity,' he said.
Previous Praise for McInnes
Butland's earlier comments on talkSPORT had indicated his confidence in McInnes's appointment. 'I know how much he cares about it, I know how much it means to him,' Butland said at the time. 'For the club, it's a really solid appointment, someone that we can hopefully build around for a number of years – gain some stability with someone that knows what it means, knows the culture. It's a really good appointment, I'm looking forward to it.'
Those words now ring hollow as Butland prepares for a new chapter at Hull City, leaving behind a club he says he will 'never be far from.'
