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By JOHN MCGARRY Published: 05: 20 AEDT, 27 November 2025 | Updated: 05: 20 AEDT, 27 November 2025 View comments Nico Raskin says he’s open to extending his Rangers contract — as he issued a strong defence of his character in the wake of his fall-out with Russell Martin. The Ibrox side’s best player last season, the midfielder found himself sidelined earlier in this campaign. The Belgian’s exile came after Martin warned certain players to ‘drop their ego’ following an opening-day stumble at Motherwell. Later speaking specifically about Raskin, the manager said the player had a duty to ‘earn the trust of all his other team-mates and the coaching staff’ before he could feature again. Addressing the issue for the first time ahead of Rangers’ Europa League clash with Braga, however, the 24-year-old claimed that the perception people had of him as a result of his now former manager’s words was inaccurate. ‘There’s a picture that’s tried to be painted of me that, at the time, wasn’t what was happening in the building, ’ he insisted. ‘But I don’t need to go back there. We’re trying to build something new and look forward. Nico Raskin fell out of favour under former Rangers manager Russell Martin earlier this season Raskin admitted he thought his Ibrox future was in jeopardy when he was left on the sidelines The smile has returned to the midfielder's face since the departure of managerial flop Martin ‘I’m not someone who likes to be headlining the dramas. I just want to do my job and help the team as much as I can. ‘I’m only looking forward. We want to win tomorrow and get our first three points in the Europa League. ’ Raskin was a substitute in the 6-0 hammering away to Club Brugge then sat out the goalless draw with Celtic and the loss to Hearts at the start of September. Asked to sum up how hard it was to watch on as the side continued to struggle under the former manager, he added: ‘It was 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 that’s physically or mentally. It’s not been great and I’ve not enjoyed parts of it. ‘I’ve read a lot of wrong stuff here and there, but I had to be quiet and just try my best to get back playing and helping the team. Despite his troubles at Ibrox, Raskin has remained a pivotal part of a talented Belgium team ‘Now, I’m just looking forward and trying to give my best for the team and win games. ’ The player admitted he arrived at a place where he found it hard to see that he had a future a the club. ‘There was a point where it was tough and I had a clear indication that my future here was in doubt, ’ he said. ‘But that’s in the past. I’ve had loads of support here from the players and the staff. ‘Everyone in the building was really good with me in terms of helping me keep my focus and my head here. The support from the fans was the biggest part of it. They were so good with me. ‘I was talking with my family and saying it’s amazing to have that support when you’re not from this city and you’re someone from abroad. ‘Hearing that was amazing. That’s why I kept really calm and didn’t leave. I just stayed here and waited for my time to come back. Raskin insists he is loving life under new boss Rohl but is still trying to get back to peak form ‘Now I’m just trying to give them something back on the pitch. I know it’s not been perfect, but I’m trying to get my form back and thank them on my way. ’ Raskin joined from Standard Liege in 2023 for a modest fee due to the fact that he was coming towards the end of his contract. With his Rangers deal expiring in 2027, he’s open to discussing an extension — and is adamant that he won’t leave the Ibrox club high and dry by running down his current contract. ‘This club has given me a lot, they’ve helped me go to the national team and show myself on a good stage, ’ added Raskin. ‘If I have to leave here, I want everybody to be happy and to leave in a good way. ‘I’m just waiting to see what’s going to happen. There’s nothing on my side saying I want to leave for free. I don’t want that. So, if I can give back everything I can, I’ll try to do that. ‘I’m very happy here. We’ve got a new manager and we’re trying to build something good and nice. I’m taking it day by day and trying to give my best for the club. ’
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