Steven Gerrard transfer decision slammed by Rangers boss after Aston Villa exit

Rangers striker Cedric Itten has revealed that Steven Gerrard's decision to loan the centre-forward out at the start of this season was slammed by current Gers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst in conversations between the two.

The 25-year-old striker spent the first half of this season on loan with Bundesliga newcomers Greuther Furth, scoring two goals in 12 appearances. Itten was then recalled in mid-January by Van Bronckhorst to bolster attacking options at Ibrox.

A Switzerland international, Itten made 24 appearances under Gerrard since signing from St. Gallen in the summer of 2020, though just four came this season before the boss made the switch south of the border to become Aston Villa head coach. Six further appearances have followed under the Dutchman since rejoining in January.

Speaking to our sister publication the Daily Record, Itten shared their insight about Gerrard's decision. "The manager, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, told me that he would never have loaned me out if he had been in charge at the beginning of the season," the player revealed.

A lack of action under Van Bronkhorst at Rangers has, in large part, been down to a mystery illness that has derailed the striker's season. A debilitating condition, that is said to have baffled medics in Glasgow, has affected the player's ability to play and train is suspected to be the aftermath of a Covid-19 infection.

After overcoming the illness, Itten has opened up about the ailment. "The whole illness thing really blew my mind," the striker explained. "I wanted to eat, but I couldn't, I only ate soup and lost a total of four kilos.

"I didn't know what kind of illness it was. Neither the Rangers' club doctors nor my girlfriend's father, who is also a doctor,