JERMAIN DEFOE's exit from Rangers has been confirmed.
The veteran striker, 39, has left Ibrox after three-years spent in Glasgow.
The former England hitman joined in the winter of 2019, as he opted to team up with Steven Gerrard.
He initially joined on-loan from Bournemouth, before the move was made a permanent one in the months to follow.
Formerly of Sunderland, Portsmouth and Tottenham, the highly-regarded striker bagged 32-goals in 74 appearances for the Gers.
Defoe famously proclaimed that he was coming to Scotland to win the title with Rangers.
He of course played a part in winning the club's 55th league trophy last term.
The striker has also been credited for being a hugely influential figure off the park, as the Ibrox club thanked him for "three years of excellent service".
💙Everyone at the club would again like to thank @IAmJermainDefoe for his contribution and wish him and his family every success for the future.pic.twitter.com/S8vYq57L0Q
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 12, 2022
A club spokesperson said: "Rangers Football Club today wishes to put on record their sincere thanks to Jermain Defoe as he departs the club following three years of excellent service.
"In addition to his efforts on the park, Defoe has been an outstanding influence off the park for teammates all over the pitch with his professionalism, and most notably his fellow strikers who have all learned so much from him.
"This season, he has officially combined his playing responsibilities with a coaching role, and his final appearance for the club on the park was the 3-1 defeat of Livingston back in November.
"The fantastic ovation he received from the Rangers support at Almondvale as he entered the action that afternoon was testament to the high regard he is held in by the fans.
"Everyone at the club would again like to thank Jermain for his contribution and wish him and his family every success for the future."
Sporting Director, Ross Wilson, commented: “Jermain has made a significant contribution to Rangers over the last number of seasons.
“Even in the ‘twilight years’ of his career, he has shown the expert movement and finishing ability that took him to the very top in his career. His contribution within the training centre was excellent, as he became a role model for his peers, showing professionalism on a daily basis.
“I was particularly pleased that he leaves with a league championship winning medal. It has been a privilege to have an England international of his quality within our group and we wish him well for the future.”
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