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This article is part of Football FanCast's Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers...

Joe Aribo has defended his decision to join Rangers this summer after criticism from his former Charlton manager Lee Bowyer, as reported by STV.

What's he said?

Bowyer gave the comments in the days after Aribo was announced as one of Steven Gerrard's pre-season signings, stating that the player had made the "wrong move" by choosing a switch to the Scottish Premiership instead of staying in the English Championship.

Aribo though is delighted to be in Glasgow and has revealed that playing under Gerrard was a big factor in making his decision to move.

You won't believe which of Liverpool's Champions League winning side of 2005 is still playing in the video below...

As quoted by STV, the 22-year-old had this to say when asked about Bowyer's comments:

"I don't really think about that. I have just come here to play my football and do what I need to do to show how good I am. I knew the size of the club and what I was getting myself into. I am just glad I managed to get it over the line.

"I was speaking to him [Gerrard] and I just got a feel of what he was like as a person and that was something that pushed me towards Rangers.

"It was a very big factor. You know what he's done in the game. I just felt comfortable with him and I just thought it was a no-brainer. That was just after the play-off final."

Positive initial signs

Aribo is already making an impression at Rangers despite making just one substitute appearance for the club.

Fans were quick to praise his cameo against St Joseph's in UEFA Europa League qualifying, eager to see more of the former Charlton man.

Competition is fierce in the middle of the park, with Glen Kamara, Steven Davis, Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield and Greg Docherty all part of the first-team squad right now.

Aribo will need to keep his game at a consistent high if he's to play regularly and show everyone why his move to Rangers was the right one.