Super Eagles and Rangers striker, Cyriel Dessers, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to teammate and captain James Tavernier after reaching a major milestone of 50 goals for the Scottish giants.
Dessers scored the landmark goal in Rangers’ 3-1 victory over Dundee United at Ibrox on Wednesday night, converting a second-half penalty gifted to him by Tavernier.
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The Nigerian forward had earlier netted his 49th goal with a powerful header before stepping up to score from the spot and seal the win.
During post-match interview, Dessers acknowledged Tavernier’s gesture and reflected on what the moment meant to him.
“We spoke about it a little bit earlier in the week, and I have to thank him for letting me take it,” Dessers told Rangers TV.
“It’s a beautiful moment for me, the 50th goal and to score it here at Ibrox. That’s something I am very proud of. It’s a big milestone in my career.”
Cyriel Dessers, who joined Rangers from Italian side Cremonese, now boasts 50 goals and 16 assists in 108 appearances for the club.
This season alone, he has scored 28 goals and provided seven assists in 54 matches across all competitions, his most prolific campaign to date.
Reflecting on the match and the broader season, the 29-year-old acknowledged the team’s resilience in what has been a campaign of mixed fortunes.
“It is very pleasing,” he said. “As I mentioned before, it’s been a season with ups and downs, too many for everybody’s wishes but it’s nice to end on a positive note here at Ibrox.”
Rangers manager, Philippe Clement, also lauded the striker, noting that Dessers has been a consistent performer despite some criticism.
“He comes in for unfair criticism, in my opinion,” Clement said. “One thing about him is that he always gives 100 percent, and his goal return this season has been phenomenal. He has 28 goals this season, and I am delighted for him.”
Clement also praised Tavernier’s sportsmanship: “Normally, Tav steps up and puts those [penalties] in the back of the net, but fair play to him. He understood what it meant to Cyriel.”
With Rangers wrapping up their home campaign on a high, Dessers is already eyeing a strong finish to the season, hoping to build on a record-breaking year in front of goal.h
