Scott Arfield has no Rangers hard feelings over emotional exit as he responds to THAT huddle stooshie

The veteran midfielder was among five former Gers favourites released at the end of last season.

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Scott Arfield insists there’s no hard feelings with Michael Beale over his own Rangers exit after admitting he knew it was time up at Ibrox.

The veteran midfielder was among five former Gers favourites released at the end of last season as Beale kicked off a ruthless summer clear out. The Londoner, though, confessed axing Arfield was the toughest of the calls he faced while weighing up which of the club’s 2021 title winners to keep. There were plenty among the Light Blues legions who felt the 34-year-old deserved another year in Govan given his ability off the bench and the value of his experience in the dressing room.

But the former Falkirk, Burnley and Canada ace isn’t holding a grudge after explaining he was after more than just a bit part role with Gers. Arfield - who has now signed a two year deal with MLS outfit Charlotte FC - said: “It all stems down to playing consistently, that was my thing. I want to play, I want to wake up on Sunday morning sore from the output that you put in on a Saturday.

"That is the best feeling – when you know you have represented your club. But there is no ill feeling whatsoever. Me and the manager have still got a very strong and amazing relationship. There are no hard feelings on my behalf. We made the decision together.

"When you get older you think of the game differently but the desire and the appetite to play football on a consistent basis has never left me. I was coming for 20 minutes here, 10 minutes there, half an hour sometimes. It’s difficult to make an impression. Even since the manager came in I think it was only two games I started and I didn’t really do it in either.

"I went to see him four or five times in a small space of time. It was the best decision for everybody although obviously it was hard for me, my family and obviously the manager. I think it’s the best decision. The club has moved on now and it’s in great hands.

Arfield also offered a response to the debate which raged on social media surrounding a snap which showed him either in, or out, of a team huddle before Charlotte's weekend clash with Cincinnati. He added: “I don’t know what that was, but it’s Glasgow so it’s going to become something isn’t it. It was one of them. I don’t even know. I don’t think any ex-Rangers player has ever participated in a huddle as such. But it is what it is. We are all over the age of 12 and we can get on with things.”

Arfield was linked with moves to Hibs and St Mirren before opting for his switch across the Atlantic. And he confirmed he did have options to remain in Scotland. "There were offers, I won't say who but I spoke to a few managers,” he revealed. It was a big decision moving to the US.

"My wife more than happy for me to stay in Glasgow. The kids were at school there so that was going to be good but I wanted to broaden my horizons and give my kids something to talk about in years to come.”

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