Scott Arfield missing Rangers goldfish bowl but reveals one priceless benefit of FC Charlotte switch

Scott Arfield admits he misses the attention that comes with being in the Rangers goldfish bowl at times. But the midfielder is glad not to be "looking over his shoulder" as much.

Arfield swapped Glasgow for North Carolina last summer, joining MLS outfit FC Charlotte. And he could soon be joined by former Old Firm foe Liel Abada, who is reportedly close ti finalising a £10million move to Dean Smith's side. Arfield called time on a five-year stint at Ibrox just before Michael Beale's ill-fated summer rebuild got underway.

That flopped and saw Beale replaced by Philippe Clement in October, although Arfield's focus has been firmly on his new club and the new MLS season, which kicked off last month. Charlotte are unbeaten in their opening two games, beating New York City 1-0 at home before vancouver Whitecaps held them to a 1-1 draw in their second game of the campaign.

But it's off the pitch where Arfield is noticing the major differences to life in the Scottish football bubble. He was back home over Christmas and found himself temporarily thrust back into the everyday intensity.

And while he admits he's something he misses at times, being able to completely relax off the park is one benefit of a complete change of pace and lifestyle.

“It is so lovely at times,” Arfield told Transfermarkt. “I went back to Scotland for Christmas, and it was straight back in it, albeit I am now out of the goldfish bowl. But you still get recognized in certain parts. It has been nice, even if you miss [the attention] here a little bit. The flipside is, I have completely relaxed in Charlotte, and you don’t look over your shoulders as much.”