Robin Propper admits Rangers transfer is 'strange and surreal' as latest Dutchman in town prepares for career first
The 30-year-old centre back is stepping out of his comfort zone
New boy Robin Propper admits it's "strange and surreal" that a club like Rangers came to get him from FC Twente.
The 30-year-old centre back is Philippe Clement's eighth signing of the summer and will fill the defensive void left by the departure of Connor Goldson to Aris Limassol earlier this week. The Gers have remained tight lipped on the length of deal Propper has signed, although he is in contention to start this Saturday's Premiership opener away to Hearts, where he could be tasked with keeping a certain Lawrence Shankland quiet.
It's a big step for the Arnhem native, who has never played outside of the Netherlands before. But Propper is relishing the challenge if trying to help Clement's team hit the ground running in the midst of a major Ibrox squad rebuild. "I had a few good years at FC Twente,of course. It felt nice to be there, it's a big club in Holland," he told RTV.
"But I always said I wanted to maybe go on a new adventure in a new country. When a club like Rangers come for you, that feels strange and surreal.
"It has everything, The history, big players - a few Dutch players as well. Everybody knows Ibrox of course, so that case this is the right spot for me to be.
"The ambition os so high and they put the level up. It's good to be here and improve and develop to go to another level. Hopefully there are many good years ahead.
There are already a couple of familiar faces ready to welcome Propper into his new surroundings. he added: "I've been contacting them in the last few days and they were talking only nice things about this club. Vaclav I played with FC Twente, Cyriel at Heracles and the assistant coach I already knew, so that's nice to see familiar faces and they can talk me through the new phase I have to experience here.
"When I was younger, your hear about Rangers because of the Dutch players and what they have achieved here. Dick Advocaat has been here so it's nice to be the next Dutchman in town!"