First, our relegation is confirmed, then the following day it’s confirmed via the official site that Angel Rangel will not be offered a new contract at Swansea City this Summer. The Spaniard has been with us since the League One days in 2007, brought in by Roberto Martinez for just £10,000, becoming a cult hero at the Liberty Stadium.
He’s an absolute legend. He’s been a brilliant servant to us in those 11 years and it hurts to see him leave. The 35-year-old says he believes he can play on for another couple of years or so and he’ll be a great signing for whichever lucky club signs him for next season.
A message for the Jack Army… 🖤#DiolchAngel pic.twitter.com/DL3VfaSVuv
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) May 10, 2018
He’s been one of our most consistent performers over the years. It was the first professional football that he’s ever played when he joined us aged 24, but you’d swear he’d been playing it for years having a regular starter in his first season with us – winning the League One title. Rangel was also key to our Championship success and was ever present in those successful promotions, forging a superb partnership with winger Nathan Dyer in front of him.
He lost pace over the years which saw him struggle in the Premier League, but nevertheless, he’s been one of the best fullbacks we’ve ever had at the club.
Not only a great player and a great servant to Swansea City but a great servant to the community too. Back in January 2013, together with his wife Nikki, they distributed food to homeless people in the city. Later that year, in April, Rangel announced plans to hold charity auctions with his wife and teammates Chico Flores, Ben Davies, Jonathan de Guzman, Pablo Hernandez, Michu and Itay Shechter – raising money for the Severn Hospice in Telford, Maggie’s Cancer Centre in Swansea and The Christian Lewis Trust Kids Cancer Charity.
You can read Rangel’s full comments on the official site here, he did say that after his retirement from football, he’d like to get a season ticket for the Swans at the Liberty!
“I will look somewhere else for one or two more seasons. When I am 37 or 38 it will be time to call it a day and hopefully I will come back and help the Swans in another way.
“Until then, I will always be looking at Swansea’s results.
“This is my club. I have been lucky enough to be a player for Swansea and now I will be a fan.
“I will always want the club to do well. Hopefully, when I finish playing, I will be a season-ticket holder at the Liberty and I will be able to watch a successful team because I am a Jack.”
Swansea City fans are also waiting on news about Leon Britton. Another club legend who is out of contract this Summer. The midfielder, also 35, has barely played this season under Carlos Carvalhal but he could still possibly stay for another year now we’re in the Championship next season. We’ll have to wait and see.
To a great servant,a great player and a great person.from a team mate to a fan of you,thanks for the memories and the passion you had while wearing the shirt. When you hang up your boots I hope your involved with our club as we need people like you. Good luck @arangelz x pic.twitter.com/dpZVJnXdpF
— Lee Trundle (@LeeTrundle10) May 10, 2018
