Weir to leave Rangers

Defender David Weir has announced he will leave Rangers on Friday.

The 41-year-old former Everton and Scotland defender is to end his Rangers career after having limited first-team opportunities this season.

Weir said on Rangers' official website, www.rangers.co.uk: "It will be an emotional week because it's the end of five years for me at Rangers, five years I have loved."

He added: "I'm not sad about it, I'm happy that I got the opportunity to play for such a great club.

"During my time here I have got to play with fantastic players and work with great coaches and on top of that we achieved a lot. I have so many memories to look back on and I am very proud of that, I wouldn't change it for the world.

"But it's not been a difficult decision, if anything I probably prolonged it."

Weir was 36 when he became Walter Smith's first signing in his second spell as Rangers boss in 2007.

The defender, who had spells at Falkirk and Hearts earlier in his career, helped Rangers to the UEFA Cup final in 2008 and victory in the League and Scottish Cups.

He was installed as club captain and helped Rangers to six more trophies, including three successive Clydesdale Bank Premier League titles.

However, he has made just one appearance this season due to the presence of Dorin Goian and Carlos Bocanegra in defence and will now move elsewhere to finish his playing career.