Rangers hero Alfredo Morelos slammed for ‘lies’ in statement as crash victim’s partner says he HASN’T apologised

HOT-TEMPERED Alfredo Morelos was never far from controversy during his time in Scotland.

The ace, Rangers’ most red-carded player of all time, made headlines off the field in January 2020.

He called cops when he found a man “tampering” with his £150,000 car, chasing the suspect while filming him on his phone.

The striker said he found the male lurking underneath the Lamborghini which Police Scotland removed for “examination”.

Morelos believed he had been trying to cut the brakes.

But a man later turned himself in, telling cops he was a private detective hired to keep watch on the star’s car by his then-pregnant wife Yesenia.

Just months earlier, in August 2019, we told how the footballer was at the centre of a “cheating” storm after being filmed kissing a Colombian beauty queen.

Marian Cardenas claimed she began a relationship with the Ibrox hero after he contacted her online — and had no idea he was hitched.

Morelos and Yesenia married in 2016 and she moved to Glasgow with him when he signed for Rangers in 2017.

Mum-of-two Cardenas spoke out after a video of her kiss with Morelos was leaked online, sparking outrage in their homeland.

She said: “It first started as a friendship and then became a relationship.

“I didn’t know he was married.”

On the pitch, Morelos was given his marching orders eight times during his six-year stint with the club.

1. Joined Rangers: Alfredo Morelos signed with Rangers in June 2017 from Finnish club HJK Helsinki. His transfer fee was reported to be around £1 million, and he was brought in to bolster the attacking options of the Scottish club under then-manager Pedro Caixinha.
2. Prolific Scorer: From the outset, Morelos demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities, quickly becoming one of Rangers' most reliable forwards. In his debut season, he netted 18 goals across all competitions.
3. European Success: Morelos was particularly effective in European competitions, notably in the UEFA Europa League. His goals were often crucial in helping Rangers advance through the qualifying rounds and into the group stages, making him a key player on European nights.
4. Record Breaker: He etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Rangers player to score in four consecutive European away matches. This achievement highlighted his ability to perform on big occasions and in challenging environments.
5. All-Time Record European Goal Scorer: Morelos became Rangers' all-time leading goal scorer in European competitions, surpassing previous records held by club legends. This milestone was a testament to his consistency and importance to the team on the continental stage.
6. Disciplinary Issues: His time at Rangers was marked by several disciplinary issues, including multiple red cards. Morelos was sent off on several occasions, often for incidents involving retaliation or unsportsmanlike behaviour, which sometimes overshadowed his on-field contributions.
7. Fan Favourite: Despite his fiery temperament, Morelos remained a favourite among the Rangers supporters for his passion and goal-scoring prowess. His ability to score important goals endeared him to the fanbase, but many questions were asked of his attitude and fitness throughout his time at the club.
8. Old Firm Goals: Morelos scored his first Old Firm goal against Celtic in the 2019-2020 season. This was a significant moment for him personally, as he had previously struggled to find the net against their rivals, and it further cemented his place in Rangers folklore.
9. International Call-ups: His performances at Rangers earned him call-ups to the Colombian national team. Morelos made his international debut in 2018 and has since been included in squads for major tournaments.
10. Contract Extensions: Morelos signed multiple contract extensions with Rangers, indicating his value to the club. These extensions were often seen as a way to ward off interest from other clubs and to ensure that he remained a pivotal part of Rangers' future plans. But he ran down his final deal and left on a free in 2023.
11. Title Winner: He played a crucial role in Rangers’ 2020-2021 Scottish Premiership title win, ending Celtic's nine-year dominance. Morelos' goals and overall play were instrumental in securing the title, and the triumph was celebrated widely by fans and players alike, marking a significant achievement in his career.