IANIS HAGI arrived at Ibrox with a knowledge of Rangers but no understanding of why title 55 would be so significant to the club and the support.
And the Romanian reckons it could be another two decades before the achievement really sinks in as he savours a Premiership triumph that ended ten years of hurt for fans.
Hagi would play a key role for Steven Gerrard's side as Rangers emerged through the league campaign unbeaten and delivered a success that had been sought after for so long as Celtic's bid for ten-in-a-row was thwarted.
It was the playmaker that scored the final goal in the 3-0 win over St Mirren that all-but secured the league flag for Rangers. The following day, Gerrard's side had their place in the history books.
“I have tried to [fully appreciate how big a moment this was for the club] but I probably won’t realise until I’m retired and I’m sitting on my couch thinking about my career," Hagi told the Rangers official souvenir magazine.
"Obviously I am happy and I know it was very big for the club and for the fans, but I think the real happiness will be in 10, 15 or 20 years when you realise how big a deal this was.
⚽️ GOAL OF THE DAY: Ianis Hagi v St Johnstone pic.twitter.com/j19TIpjarJ
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 21, 2021
“It was unbelievable, knowing that 99 per cent we were champions [when we beat St Mirren].
"I think everybody felt that Celtic wouldn’t win their game against Dundee United the next day and watching that game together and just enjoying the celebrations after it, it was amazing and very difficult to put into words.
"The best word I can say is relief and it just made us realise how great a season we had.
"Winning that game against St Mirren and being so professional, it was brilliant and they are highlights you will never forget. They will always be in your mind your entire life."
There were times at the start of the campaign where Hagi's contribution was questioned but he would soon find his feet and rise to prominence in his first full season at Ibrox.
"Ibrox baby. It's just different." - Ianis Hagi 🔵#UEL | @RangersFC https://t.co/aLVMv1khvy pic.twitter.com/JpLevM6Q0X
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 29, 2020
He ended the campaign with nine goals to his credit and his nous and creativity in the final third were crucial in helping Gerrard's side unlock stubborn defences on their way to the title.
Hagi said: “There are games where you don’t win 3-0 or 4-0 and if you want to lift trophies it doesn’t really matter how you play, you just have to win the game.
"I feel that not only the important goals I scored in tight games, I was also pleased with my assists.
"If I look back to the season, most of my assists came when the team was drawing or it was a really tight game. I’m really happy that whenever the team needed me I stepped up and I was there.
"I think that is another pleasing thing for me, that I’m not only growing outside the pitch and changing so much physically, I’m also delivering on the pitch and stepping up when the team needs me with goals and assists.
"That made it a really good season for me individually but collectively as well.”
It was, of course, not just domestically where Rangers improved and impressed last season as Gerrard guided his side to the last 16 of the Europa League.
Champions League action now awaits this term and Hagi is well aware of the benefits of playing and competing at a higher level.
Hagi said: “I think the European games always bring something different compared to the domestic games.
"The challenges are different and you have to adapt. You have to play against very good teams so having that balance and knowing how to bring that success from Europe into domestic games and being consistent, I think it was tough but we managed it really well.”
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