Barry Ferguson reveals Rangers 'ding dongs' with Ronald de Boer but insists he wouldn't change Dutchman for the world

The two had a tumultuous relationship at Ibrox - but enjoyed a special bond in the middle of the park.

Barry Ferguson is the first to admit he frequently locked horns with Ronald de Boer when the two played together at Ibrox.

But the Dutchman had an "arrogance" that often got on his nerves, he insists that's just part of what made him a special player.

De Boer was something of a coup signing for Rangers as he came to Ibrox to rebuild his career after a challenging spell with Barcelona.

The Ajax hero took to Scottish football like a duck to water and became a key player in midfield alongside skipper Ferguson.

The two personalities could hardly have been more contrasting as Ferguson insists his old teammate "loved himself."

But while they were often seen barking at each other on the pitch and off it, Ferguson says he loved playing alongside him.

"I absolutely loved playing with Ronnie," he told the Go Radio Football Show.

"He loved himself. He was never wrong. We had a few ding-dongs, more than a few ding-dongs with him, but just brilliant to play with.

"I felt we had a real good connection when we played with each other.

"We got him from Barcelona, he had a knee problem when he came. He couldn't train every day. He would train maybe two or three times maximum.

"And I would love to have seen him 100 per cent, but what a footballer, I got on really well with him.

"He had the arrogance about him but I loved his arrogance.

"That's the Dutch way. It's arrogance in a good way, they believe in themselves.

"But I've got to be honest with you, loved playing with him - what a player."