Emotional moment Rangers hero Leon Balogun is struck by poignant coincidence as he leaves Glasgow for last time
TWELVE months ago Leon Balogun had just been named man of the match as Rangers beat Celtic.
One year on, as the Old Firm fixture approaches again, the big defender is waving goodbye to Glasgow for the final time.
The 34-year old became a firm favourite during his two-year spell with the Gers before being released at the end of his contract this summer.
Although he wasn't a part of the squad anymore, Balogun was spotted in the crowd at Ibrox when Rangers thumped Union SG 3-0 to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
After the Gers shipped two set piece goals against PSV Eindhoven, Ibrox icon Ally McCoist led calls for Giovanni van Bronckhorst to bring Balogun back to the club.
He remained a free agent then, but he isn't anymore.
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Balogun did join Rangers, of sorts, by penning a one-year contract at QPR last week.
The move saw him link up with former Rangers assistant Michael Beale who's now the boss at Loftus Road.
Balogun clearly built up a strong connection with Rangers and Glasgow during his time in Scottish football - and that was evident as he posted a poignant farewell post.
Taking to Instagram as he sat at the departure gates of Glasgow airport, he posted: "All packed up, apartment cleared and just as I'm on my way to the gate I look out and see this..."
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What he was referring to was the big number 26 at the gate directly opposite him - the shirt number he wore during his time at Rangers.
It's clearly important to the Nigeria international - he's taken the same squad number at QPR.
He added: "Goodbye Glasgow, it's been extra special," alongside a blue heart and crying emoji.
The Light Blues decided against renewing Balogun's deal as they delved into the transfer market for defensive reinforcements.
Gio van Bronckhorst signed both Ben Davies and John Souttar, while Connor Goldson penned a new long term contract.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page