BORNA Barisic has revealed he agreed to sign a contract extension at Rangers to repay his manager Steven Gerrard for standing by him during his difficult debut season in Glasgow.

Barisic, who has attracted the interest of Italian giants Roma in recent months as a result of his exceptional displays in Scotland and Europe, pledged his future to the Ibrox club until 2024 on Thursday.

The Croatian left back has been one of Gerrard’s most consistent performers during the 2019/20 campaign and has helped his side to reach the Europa League last 32.

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However, last term he struggled after joining from Osijek in his homeland in a £2.2 million transfer due to a series of niggling injuries and only featured in 22 games.

The player, who is now a firm fans’ favourite, admitted the backing he received from his manager during that difficult period was a significant factor behind his decision.

“That’s one of the things,” he said. “I don’t want to talk too much about that, but it’s one of the things. The manager affected me a lot. He’s probably one of the reasons why I have stayed here.

“Even in my tough times, the hard times, he stayed behind me, he believed me with the staff. I feel here like it’s family.”

Barisic admitted he had been flattered to be linked with Serie A club Roma, but stressed he was content to end any conjecture over his future by signing a new deal.

But the defender, who is now a regular in the Croatia side and is hoping to play for his country in the Euro 2020 finals this summer, is prepared for more speculation about him during the close season. 

“I’m very happy because it’s finished now,” he said. “I’m more peaceful now. Always when it’s transfer window there are a lot of stories, a lot of clubs in this moment. It’s easier when you sign your contract and you are clear.

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“Clubs like Roma having an interest in you is a very big thing for me. It’s nice. They’re such a big club. But my full focus is here on Rangers. I confirmed that by signing on Thursday.

“But it wasn’t hard because I’m fully focused on Rangers and I wanted from the first day to stay. When someone like Roma comes for you it’s interesting. But there is no point. I said to my agent I wanted to stay.

“Things will probably quieten down now because I signed the new contract. But then there is the transfer window in the summer so you don’t know what will happen.”