‘Best decision’: £1.2m man explains why he did not leave Rangers

Jose Cifuentes admits he received offers from clubs in Russia, Turkey and England before sealing a move to Cruzeiro from Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers this month. 

During just five appearances in Scotland’s top-flight, Mohamed Diomande has already contributed far more than his successor did during the entire first half of the current campaign.

Despite boasting an impressive goalscoring record in the MLS with LAFC, Jose Cifuentes did not find the net even once in 20 Rangers appearances, although it must be said that many of his outings came in a rather ill-fitting deep-lying role.

Diomande, brought in from Nordsjaelland to nail down a spot Cifuentes struggled to make his own, has two goals to his name already, fizzing a terrific shot into the far corner to kick off Saturday’s 5-0 rout of Hearts.

And, with an option-to-buy clause of reportedly around £4.5 million in his Ibrox contract, Diomande’s arrival and his immediate impact means it already feels unlikely that Cifuentes will have much of a future under a manager in Philippe Clement who always appeared unconvinced of his qualities.

Has Jose Cifuentes played his final game for Rangers?

Cifuentes joined Cruzeiro on loan a few weeks ago, with a permanent clause in his own deal.

Explaining his decision, the Ecuador international admits that a return to South America was preferred over a range of alternative options, due largely – but not solely – to family reasons.

“There were two Russian teams (who wanted to sign me). However, with the war that is going on there, it was something that could not be carried out,” Cifuentes tells Globo Esporte. “Some European and American teams could not receive money from Russia.

“There was a team from Turkey and (the English) Championship.

“In theory, it would be (for) five months  So, it was taking my family from where they were already adapted to another place that would be a problem. I had to make the best decision, and that’s why I’m here.”

Mohamed Diomande helps Rangers stay top

Cifuentes finally made his Cruzeiro debut last weekend, coming off the bench for the final half hour in a 2-0 win. It is yet to be confirmed exactly how much Cruzeiro would need to pay to sign the 24-year-old permanently, Rangers having invested £1.2 million in bringing the former America de Quito man to Ibrox.

“My fitness is good,” adds Cifuentes, glad to be back in sunny South America after shivering in the ‘cold’ of Glasgow.

“Day after day, I am working and talking with the people in charge of my physical performance, all to improve. I also think I’m adapting in a good way. I think my team-mates welcomed me and are helping to make (my adaptation) happen very quickly.”

Rangers kept their place at the top of the Premiership table on Wednesday, Diomande impressing again during the 2-1 comeback win at Kilmarnock.