Nico Raskin says he is still recovering from a tough spell earlier this season after a breakdown in his relationship with former manager Russell Martin left him fearing his Rangers career was over.
The Belgium international, who was Rangers’ player of the year last season, found himself quickly sidelined when Martin took charge and was omitted from the squad for the late-August derby with Celtic amid speculation he might leave in the summer. Martin later said Raskin would have to regain the “trust” of team-mates before being part of his plans.
Raskin was brought back into the side before Martin’s dismissal in October, and speaking publicly about the episode for the first time he described the months that followed as 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, adding he had read “a lot of wrong stuff” and felt he had to stay quiet and focus on returning to the pitch.
At one stage he said he had a “clear indication” his future at the club was uncertain, but Raskin was keen to stress the past is behind him and praised the backing he received at Ibrox. He singled out colleagues, staff and supporters for their help in keeping him focused and positive, and said conversations with family helped him stay calm while living away from home.
Raskin said he remained patient, waited for his opportunity and is now trying to repay the faith shown to him. “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,” he said.
Under new head coach Danny Röhl, the midfielder is determined to move on from the early-season issues and re-establish himself as a key player. He rejected what he called a misleading narrative about his time at the club, insisting: “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 has 18 months left on his contract and said 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. 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.”