MADJID BOUGHERRA has retired from football at the age of 34 and insisted Rangers fans brought him his happiest memories in football.
The former Ibrox defender spent a turbulent three-year period at Ibrox from 2008 before moving in a £1.7 million deal to Qatari club Lekhwiya.
As late as earlier this year, Bougherra was still offering his services to Rangers, while insisting he could play on until he was 36.
But after a spell with Greek side Aris Thessaloniki, Bougherra has announced he will hang up his boots and admitted he cherished his spell at Rangers.
Bougherra said: "I've had a career that was beyond my wildest dreams. My passion for football is as strong as ever, but sometimes you have to listen to your body and face realities.
"I have no regrets. I've had a wonderful career.
"I have played in the World Cup with Algeria and for Rangers in front of their fans.
"My memories are imperishable, notably with the supporters of Glasgow Rangers and the national team of Algeria.
"For the future, I want to redistribute the wealth of experience I have collected during my career and I want to set up a Football Academy in Algeria to help my country's future players."
Bougherra won three titles with Rangers, a Scottish Cup and a League Cup.
But he was never far from controversy and was sent off in his last game for the club in a 1-1 Champions League qualifying draw in Malmo.
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