Gheorghe Hagi has applauded his son Ianis for not giving in at Rangers after the midfielder was left in the wilderness by Philippe Clement last summer.
The Romania international returned from a season-long loan spell with Alaves in La Liga to initially find that he was not part of the Belgian’s plans at Ibrox due to a contract dispute and was omitted from the squad to take part in the revamped group stage of the Europa League. However, the 26-year-old has played himself back into the reckoning and legendary father Gheorghe – who came over to Glasgow to watch his son in action during the festive season – has praised Hagi for not throwing the towel in even when the chips were down.
The former Real Madrid and Barcelona superstar said: “I’m glad Ianis didn’t give in at Rangers. He knew what he wanted. And he found a lot of warmth in the Romanian national team too which helped. When he produced good things in that team, it’s clear that it helped him come back stronger to Rangers. He overcame a difficult situation there and he proved that he’s mature.
“I’ve given Ianis enough advice in his life. He’s grown up now. Everything is on his own time. He listened, he did well, he’s reached a beautiful age. For Romania, they know what they have to do in the dressing room, where there is a special manager in Mircea Lucescu.
“They have an extraordinary group of players and they can’t let this chance slip through their fingers. I firmly believe and predict they can do better than we did at the 1994 World Cup.
“You go to the national team with your heart and soul. Playing for your country is the most beautiful thing possible.”
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