Danilo to Rangers transfer leaves his 'brother' heartbroken but he couldn't say no to chance at making history

Danilo and Brazilian buddy Igor Paixao were supposed to be brothers for life - until the new Rangers recruit decided to break up their Dutch double act.

But while Michael Beale’s new frontman knows he’ll have left his former Feyenoord strike partner and best mate disappointed with his decision to leave Rotterdam behind, the 24-year-old hopes his move to Ibrox will bring only delight to his new Glasgow friends. Frontman Danilo was a key figure for Arne Slot’s De Kuip giants as they stormed to last season’s Eredivisie title. And he was just as important to Paixao as he helped his compatriot settle in Europe following his summer switch from South America.

They were so close that Paixao even attempted to talk the former Ajax ace out of his move to Scotland “Danilo is like a brother to me,” he admitted. “I didn’t speak English yet when I came to Rotterdam. He welcomed me very warmly and his family were very kind to me.

“When the offer from Rangers came, I asked him to stay. But of course, he had to decide what would be best for him and his family. I will always cheer for him and I will be forever grateful for the help he gave me at this club.”

The pair’s close bond was felt just as deeply by Danilo - but the Ibrox new boy admits he couldn’t let friendship stand in the way of the opportunity on offer in Scotland.

Gers’ £5.2million signing said: “Of course he’s my brother for life. I wished him all the best and he also said the same to me. Of course he knows that if something is better for my future, my career and my family then that comes first and is most important.

“Igor and I had a really great bond together and a great connection. We were together 24/7 but if he had a chancer to do something great for his career, of course