FORMER Rangers star Madjid Bougherra has revealed he offered to return to Ibrox this summer to end his playing career, but was rejected.

The Algerian captain spent a turbulent three-year period at Ibrox from 2008 before moving in a £1.7 million deal to Qatari club Lekhwiya.

He moved onto UAE outfit Al-Fujairah last year and was out of contract at the end of the season.

But the 33-year-old's hopes of returning to Glasgow to end his playing career were dashed and he's signed a new deal with the Emirates side.

Bougherra said: "My wish was to go back to Rangers and finish my career there.

"I was out of contract and my dream would have been to play again with Rangers.

"Sadly, it was not possible for that to happen.

"I have now decided to stay with Al Fujairah because it is a club that suits me and I hope to enjoy another good season with them.

"Then I will do my coaching badges as I move into the next stage of my career."

Bougherra won three titles with Rangers, a Scottish Cup and a League Cup.

But he was never far from controversy and was sent off in his last game for the club in a 1-1 Champions League qualifying draw in Malmo.