Jermain Defoe explains snubbing Palace for Rangers

After the best part of 20 years in English football, Jermain Defoe moved to the Scottish Premiership to play for Rangers FC.

Jermain Defoe moved to Rangers from Bournemouth on an 18-month loan deal.

Jermain Defoe says he snubbed a move to Crystal Palace and chose Rangers instead in want of a fresh challenge and for the chance to play under his former England team-mate Steven Gerrard.

The 36-year-old moved to Ibrox from Bournemouth on an 18-month loan deal on Sunday, having found first-team opportunities limited at the Vitality Stadium this season.

And Defoe has subsequently confirmed that a switch to Bournemouth's Premier League rival Palace was also on offer, the striker instead choosing a move to the Scottish Premiership high-fliers and a reunion with Gerrard, who is in charge of Rangers.

"There was interest, I had to weigh it all up, and I fancied something different to be honest, I fancied a different challenge, especially one where people were like, 'I'm not too sure on that one'," Defoe said.

"The Palace one was lingering for years - I know a lot of people down there, Mark Bright, a lot of the players. It is obviously a fantastic club, with a top manager. But I spoke to Stevie and decided to come here, because it is a great opportunity for me. When he got the job, it did make me think a little bit."