Ex-Rangers star who was binned by Michael Beale admits he dreams of a return
HE was signed to score goals for Rangers and he did just that. But then his face didn’t fit, and it didn’t matter whether he was scoring or not. When Michael Beale took over from Giovan…
HE was signed to score goals for Rangers and he did just that.
But then his face didn't fit, and it didn't matter whether he was scoring or not.
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Michael Beale wasn't a fan of Antonio ColakCredit: PA
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The player himself loved his time at RangersCredit: Willie Vass
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He left to join Parma after a year with the Glasgow giantsCredit: Getty
When Michael Beale took over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November 2022, the clock started ticking.
He held the coveted Gers No.9 jersey but it wasn't enough.
Antonio Colak knew he had to leave - and fast.
The Croat joined the Ibrox club in from PAOL in Greece in the summer of 2022 for a fee of around £1.8m.
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He arrived at the Light Blues in the wake of Van Bronckhorst's side's Europa League final and a Scottish Cup win.
Colak played a crucial role in firing Rangers to the group stages of the Champions League and he hit the net TEN times in his first nine league games.
However, the team in general were struggling and Van Bronckhorst was dismissed after dropping points to St Mirren.
Colak initially didn't fear for his place in the side under Beale but soon he realised the Londoner wasn't keen on him.
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He rarely played in the final six months of his only season in Glasgow and was sold to Parma in July 2023 in a £2.5m transfer.
But 18 months on - and now with Spezia - Colak admits he still considers Rangers his FAVOURITE club.
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He revealed that he still has thoughts about playing for the Light Blues again and that he looks out for their results every week.
“For me, I tell you honestly, I love Rangers," Colak told the Daily Record. “I follow every match because I got affected by that club and their fans.
“I had a successful period there, personally.
“But unfortunately, circumstances meant I had to leave. I wish I had a longer time at Rangers.
“Somehow, I just had a feeling that I fitted into that club and that environment.
“It’s a special, unique club. It’s a way of life.
“Not every player can stand the pressure or expectation there.
“But I immediately felt welcomed there.
“Why did I feel that way? It’s a difficult question to answer.
“It suits some players and others, maybe not.
“It’s about the fans, the history, everything.
“Immediately, it became a love for me, not a pressure. It gave me motivation and ambition.
Colak lifted the lid on what happened behind the scenes that led to his departure.
After sporadically playing under Beale in the first half of 2023, he watched as the new boss was given carte blanche to spend as he pleased in the summer.
In came Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers and Danilo and it left Colak as the odd one out.
He said: “In the summer of 2023, I knew I had to leave.
“On our pre-season trip to Germany, I could see right away how things were going. I could see the position I was in, where I was in the rankings of the players.
“So I knew I’d have to go.
“It was a sad situation for me, especially with what I’d achieved the year before.
“I’ll never forget the moment Rangers made a highlights video of me to say goodbye. It was really emotional for me."
Colak insists he never wanted to leave Rangers.
He continued: “I was frustrated because I knew I could do the job of scoring goals at Rangers. I felt it when I arrived. I was the Croatian number nine, after Dado Prso and Nikica Jelavic - it was meant to be for me.
“That’s how I felt. I signed a contract for three years and felt sure I’d be there for that time. I didn’t want to go.
“I’m not an angry person, I try to see everything in a positive way. I had to make the best out of the situation. I didn’t change. I’m the same guy, same player now. You can only influence things in your control.
“Other things, you can’t influence, so you have to move on."
Colak believes the appointment of Beale had a ripple effect.
It wasn't just the style of play that changed.
The striker felt there was a change in the dressing room and even how decisions were made higher up the club.
“Beale changed a lot," said Colak. “He had his way of working. As a person, he had his way of presenting to the team and on the training pitch.
“Also, the training was different.
“So it was totally different to Giovanni, in terms of how they both saw football.
“When he came in, a lot changed for the locker room and for the whole club I think.
“Even regarding sporting decisions and other things, everything changed. What Gio had achieved at Rangers in his time there was incredible."
Across the city, Celtic are close to bringing back two former heroes in Kieran Tierney and Jota.
Could Colak return to Govan too?
We know this much - the player himself has thought about it.
And he reckons he could still be a force up top.
He said: “When I look back at my career, nothing compares to Rangers. They stand out as the biggest club.
“Of course, I wish I could have won trophies there. That was the only thing missing.
“But they’re my number one club.
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“When I watch the games now, I still think 'That could be me.'
“Could I still have been scoring goals there? Yes, I think I could.”
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