Joe Aribo: Playing under Steven Gerrard was amazing

Former Rangers star Joe Aribo has thanked Steven Gerrard for the role he played in his career after he completed a move to Premier League side Southampton.

Aribo joined Southampton after Rangers agreed a £9million deal and the Nigeria international admits the feeling of joining the Saints in the Premier League still hasn’t sunk in for him yet. Aribo became Ralph Hassenhuttl’s fifth summer signing as he penned a four-year deal at St. Mary’s earlier this month.

“It actually hasn’t sunk in yet and that’s the thing with me, I don’t really let moments get to me too much,” Aribo said in an Instagram post. “I do really need to sit down and let this one sink in because this is literally like a dream come true. From a child I’ve wanted this.”

Aribo made 57 appearances for Rangers last season, including 15 in the Europa League as the Scottish giants made it all the way to the final. Though, the Gers lost out to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties in Seville.

Speaking on his move to the Scottish Premiership, Aribo said playing under current Aston Villa head coach Gerrard at Rangers was a major reason for the switch and explained what the former Rangers boss was like off the pitch. “Playing under Steven Gerrard was amazing,” Aribo said.

“He was a big factor in me joining also because I felt wanted. He would banter with me and he was just really good to me. Even off the field, if I was out of form or I didn’t seem myself on the training ground, he would notice it and pull me in, speak to me in his office. He was really good to me,” said Aribo.