James Tavernier has confirmed he will leave Rangers FC at the end of the season, bringing an 11-year spell at Ibrox to a close. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the long-serving club captain.

Tavernier has led Rangers for the past eight years and played a key role in a successful period for the club, lifting the Scottish Premiership title in 2021, followed by the Scottish Cup in 2022 and the Scottish League Cup in 2023.

He also captained the side in the 2022 UEFA Europa League Final against Eintracht Frankfurt, where Rangers were narrowly beaten on penalties after a hard-fought contest.

This season, Rangers remain in the title race, sitting just one point behind Heart of Midlothian. The club will be hoping to overtake the Edinburgh side and secure another league title before Tavernier’s departure.

The 34-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign, admitted the decision to move on was not an easy one in a message shared on Instagram.

He reflected on his time at the club, describing Rangers as a huge part of his life over the past decade and expressing pride at having served as captain since 2018. Tavernier added that leading the team and wearing the armband is something he will always cherish.

James Tavernier holds the distinction of being the highest-scoring defender in British football history, registering 144 goals in 562 appearances for Rangers FC and 152 goals across his entire career.

He joined the club from Newcastle United in 2015, at a time when Rangers were competing in the Scottish Championship after their demotion to the fourth tier following administration.

Tavernier played a key role in guiding Rangers back up the divisions, helping them secure promotion from the Championship. His leadership qualities were later recognised by Steven Gerrard, who appointed him as the club’s full-time captain in 2018.