The former West Ham, Tottenham and Sunderland player told RangersTV: "Steven had a big influence because he is an ex-teammate and someone I have always admired and respected.

"He is a young manager and his enthusiasm is amazing. He wants to do well and like me he wants to be part of the history of Rangers and create something special.

"But even before Steven came here, I have known the size of this club and the support. They are special football fans.

"It might be a little bit strange having him as my manager. I had it a little bit with Eddie Howe because I was on loan at Bournemouth when I was really young but only for a few months.

"With this it will probably be a lot different, my time with England with Stevie was good and we now just have to get on with it, do the best we can and try and build something positive for the team."

Defoe sits seventh on the Premier League's all-time top goalscorers' list but only received his first winners' medal last month when he was belatedly honoured for helping Spurs reach the English League Cup final in 2008.

He had joined Portsmouth by the time Juande Ramos' team beat Chelsea to lift the trophy but was given the medal 10 years on as a special tribute from bosses at the EFL.

However, he now has his sights on getting his first real taste of trophy success with Gers.

He said: "This is a massive football club and a good opportunity. This is another league for me and I am really looking forward to it.

"I wanted to come here for obvious reasons – I have always known it is a massive football club.

"The history of the club, as players those of the sorts of clubs you want to play for and do well at. You want to be part of the history if you can.

"It was an easy decision to be honest. If you love your football like me and you get an opportunity like this it is hard to turn it down.

"I have been in the Premier League for so long and it is always nice to have a different challenge.

"Sometimes you can, not get comfortable, but you are in your comfort zone there and sometimes it is nice to get away from that and just try and find that fire again, set targets and have a different challenge.

"Winning trophies was another draw, especially how well the lads have done since Stevie has been in.

"I mentioned before being a part of the history and doing something special here, that would be amazing to be involved in."

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