Ben Godfrey has joined Scottish club Rangers on a season-long loan from Atalanta, expressing his desire to bring experience and leadership to the team's defense.
Godfrey, 28, who has two caps for England, described his recent time in Serie A since a £11 million transfer from Everton two years ago as "turbulent." He made only five substitute appearances for Atalanta before loan spells with Ipswich, Sheffield United, and Brondby in Denmark.
"I came out of it speaking Italian, which is interesting but obviously I didn’t get many minutes there," Godfrey said in an interview with Rangers TV. "But it’s a chapter of my life which I don’t regret. And Denmark was brilliant for me. It was a good six months there, getting regular football, and it was a beautiful place to live. But that’s all behind me. I’m just excited to be back over here and ready to go. It’s safe to say, obviously, the past couple of years has been turbulent."
[IMAGE2] Ben Godfrey poses alongside manager Derek McInnes after his loan signing is announced
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has characterized Godfrey as a strong, athletic defender. The Scottish club has an option to purchase Godfrey permanently at the end of the loan spell.
Godfrey believes his age and past experiences equip him to be a leader for the younger players at Rangers and help the club achieve success. "The age that I’m at now and the experiences that I’ve had, I think I can be a leader and help the younger players," he stated. "I think I can bring experience to the defence and hopefully that helps the club have a good year."
His arrival at Ibrox comes as reports indicate that Rangers are close to signing Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, which could facilitate Jack Butland's departure to Hull. [IMAGE1] Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland could be on his way out of Ibrox after talks with Hull. [IMAGE3] Croatia international keeper Ivor Pandur looks set to join Rangers from Hull City this summer. Godfrey is Rangers' third signing of the summer transfer window.
Godfrey is eager to return to the form that saw him make 93 appearances for Everton. "I think the DNA that runs through the club matches me as a person. I think it’s a good fit. I think that this year will be successful for us as a club. Obviously, there’s been heights in my career where I’ve been at a good level and I’m desperate to get back there."