Rangers fans have been left gutted on social media after defensive powerhouse David Bates issued one last goodbye to everyone at Ibrox before making his move to Hamburg SV.
The youngster, who was out of contract at the end of the season, ended up not staying with the Light Blues but catching everyone off guard with a shock exit to the German side, who will be playing in the second tier next season after being relegated from the Bundesliga.
After his 28 appearances for the Gers, 20 of which came in the campaign just gone, the flame-haired giant, who stands at 6’3″ (source: Transfermarkt) had established himself as something of a favourite but the former Raith Rovers man will be continuing his career elsewhere – a decision which has not gone down well with the Ibrox faithful.
Supporters were left even more devastated about the news when the 21-year-old posted a heartbreaking message on Twitter thanking everyone, from the fans to the staff, for their support along the way, and that he was disappointed that his time at the club ended with a sub-par finish, ending the campaign third behind Celtic and Aberdeen.
He wrote on his personal Twitter account: “I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone at Rangers FC from the fans to the staff and to all the players for everything they’ve done for me.
“Although we didn’t finish the season the way we should have, I would like to wish the club all the success in the future.”
https://twitter.com/DavidBates_/status/1000073553801351169
His words had the Ibrox faithful feeling pretty emotional on Twitter.
Here are some of the best tweets from the fans:
https://twitter.com/JordnAndersn72/status/1000073780000149505
https://twitter.com/castleintegrity/status/1000076252211023872
all the best.. we’ll see you when you comeback in the future
— Scott Ross (@scottbossman) May 25, 2018
All the best big guy ?
— gordon wylie (@gordy1872) May 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/stukiddrfc0205/status/1000100366254518272
U must be ragin mate
— hahaknfnana (@divvwilsonn) May 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/Decjohnno1Fan/status/1000088876105588736
All the best David. once a Ger always a Ger #RangersFamily
— ???????GraemeJ?? (@graemej8771) May 25, 2018