Nico Raskin has admitted he is still recovering from the damaging effect of a breakdown with former manager Russell Martin that left him fearing his Rangers career was finished earlier this season.
The Belgium international — Rangers’ player of the year last term — was quickly sidelined under Martin and was even omitted from the squad for the derby against Celtic at the end of August amid summer-exit speculation. While the precise details of their falling-out remain unclear, Martin said in September that Raskin would need to regain the “trust” of team-mates to return to his plans.
Raskin was reintroduced to the side before Martin’s October dismissal, but speaking publicly for the first time about the episode he said the period had been very difficult. “I can’t lie, it was really difficult for me, that period. I’m still trying to get back to my best form, whether it’s physically or mentally. It’s not been great,” he said. “I’ve not enjoyed every part of it. I’ve read a lot of wrong stuff here and there. But I had to be quiet and just try to do my best to get back to playing and to get back to helping the team, which I tried to do.”
He added that at one point he had “clear indication” his future was in doubt, but stressed that the past is behind him and praised the backing he received at Ibrox. “I had loads of support here, from the players and the staff, everyone in the building. People were very good with me, helping me keep my focus and my head high. The supporters were so good with me. I was talking with my family and saying it’s amazing to have that support when you’re not from the city and you’re someone from abroad and feel that support. That’s why I kept really calm.”
Raskin said he stayed patient and waited for his chance to return, and is now trying to repay that faith on the pitch. “I just stayed here and waited for my time to come back. I’m just trying now to give them back something on the pitch. I know it’s not been perfect, but I’m working on it. I’m trying to get my form back to help the team as much as I can, just to thank them on my way.”
Under new head coach Danny Röhl, Raskin is focused on leaving his early-season troubles behind and becoming a key figure again. “I think there’s a picture that has been tried to be painted of me that wasn’t really (reflective of) what was happening in the building,” he said. “But, like I say, it’s just the past, so we don’t need to go back there. I’m not someone who likes to be headlining the dramas and all this, I’m just trying to do my job.”
Raskin is out of contract in 18 months but indicated he would be open to extending his stay. “Yes, I’m very happy here,” he said. “We’ve got a new manager and we’re trying to build something good, something nice. We’ve got loads of things to do. I’m really happy. I’ve not decided anything. I’m just waiting for anyone to come and talk to me and just taking it day by day and trying to give my best for the club.”