Sone Aluko future unclear as continental ban nears

SONE ALUKO is considering his future at Rangers as the club edges towards a three-season European ban.

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Sone Aluko has ambitions of playing at the top level
Sone Aluko has ambitions of playing at the top level

The Nigerian international has been one of the success stories of a fraught campaign on the park.

Gers are currently embroiled in a financial nightmare off the park and last night's dramatic news that American businessman Bill Miller has withdrawn his offer for the club has sparked fresh chaos around the Govan side.

Duff & Phelps, the club's administrators, stated that there were another three offers on the table.

It remains to be seen what happens next, but one thing is certain – if Rangers manage to continue in the SPL there will be no European football next season.

Should they reform as a newco and be granted entry back into the SPL, Uefa rules would dictate that there would be no European football for the next three years, something that Aluko has admitted would be a devastating blow.

"European football is massive for everyone at Rangers – for the club, the players and the supporters.

"Not having it for that length of time would be a massive disappointment.

"As a player, my ambitions haven't changed. I want to play at the highest level I can – at World Cups with Nigeria and in the Champions League.

"I don't know if the European thing would impact on my decision because I can honestly say that I haven't thought too much about my immediate future.

"I think everyone owes it to the club to be completely focused at the minute on what we are doing on the pitch.

"We still have one more game against St Johnstone and we have our pride.

"We want to win it and sign off with a victory. That is important to us as a team and it is important to the Rangers fans."

The move to Ibrox in November is something that Aluko has no regrets over, despite the fact that his time at the club has been marred by off-field controversy.

And his swashbuckling style has made him a favourite with the Ibrox fans. He added: "When I look back at the short time I have spent with the club, I feel really proud.

"I have scored nine goals and one of them has come in an Old Firm game, which is something that I will always be able to say.

"I feel honoured that I have played for a club like Rangers, where the fan base is astounding.

"I think as a team the club can find their feet again, but there does need to be clarity about the direction the club is going now."

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