Sima in emotional Rangers goodbye after Brest move

Abdallah Sima has penned an emotional goodbye to Rangers after joining Stade Brestois on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 23-year-old Senegal forward made 40 appearances on loan to the Ibrox club last season, scoring 16 goals.

There appeared to be a desire on behalf of both the player and the Scottish Premiership outfit for him to return this summer.

But on Wednesday he joined the side who finished third in Ligue 1 last season and will be playing in the Champions League this term.

"The time has come for me to say goodbye to a club for which I have a lot of affection, for which I took immense pleasure in playing," Sima said on Instagram.

"It is very difficult to find the words, but I would like to thank all the club staff, the staff, my team-mates, and especially you, the supporters, who have always been there for me and for the club. It’s you who makes this club so special."

Sima thanked former Rangers manager Michael Beale for signing him last summer - and present Ibrox boss Philippe Clement for helping him "realise my dream" of a League Cup winners' medal.

The forward is yet to make an appearance for Brighton since joining the club in 2021 from Slavia Prague and had not featured under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler since their pre-season friendlies.

Brest are Sima's fourth loan club after spells with Stoke City and Angers before joining Rangers.

Brighton technical director David Weir noted his "successful period with Rangers" but suggested the latest loan would "give him the opportunity to get regular minutes in a good league".