Lawrence Shankland has issued an emotional message to Heart of Midlothian fans and explained why he will always be grateful to them.
Shankland will officially become a Rangers player when the transfer window opens on June 15th but was unveiled as a signing today after penning a two-year deal with the option of a third.
It is understood the Ibrox club have been able to sign him for free due to a break clause in his Hearts deal.
It is well known the 30-year-old was a boyhood Rangers fan and he insists the opportunity to sign for them was simply too good to turn down.
The former Tynecastle No.9 says he felt at home as soon as he signed back in 2022 and loved his four seasons at the club, three of which he broke the 20-goal barrier in.
Having come within minutes of captaining the club to an unlikely title success, he packed a lot in and looks back on his time at the club fondly.
He leaves with "immense pride" at having worn the armband.
Shankland wrote on Instagram: "My time at Heart of Midlothian has come to an end, and I want to place on record my sincere thanks to every member of staff, coaching staff, and teammate I’ve worked with over the last four years.
"From the moment I walked through the doors of the club, I felt at home. It has been a privilege and an honour to represent Hearts for four unforgettable seasons.
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"To captain Hearts even once would have been special, but to do it as many times as I did fills me with immense pride. Leading the team out at Tynecastle was always an incredible feeling — especially last season, when the atmosphere was truly unforgettable.
"I leave the club having been part of a second-place finish, the club’s highest points return in the league, 88 goals, and four seasons filled with moments and matches I will never forget."
Shankland will never forget hearing his name ring around Tynecastle and hopes the fans who sung it will understand his decision.
He added: "My family and I have loved every minute at the club and meeting so many wonderful people along the way. At this stage of my career, the opportunity to join my boyhood club was one I simply couldn’t turn down, and I hope you can understand and respect that decision.
"Finally, to the fans — hearing my name sung from all four stands of Tynecastle is something I never took for granted. I’ll always be grateful for the incredible love and support you showed me throughout my time at the club.
"I wish everyone connected with Hearts nothing but success in the future."
