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Rangers SquadRino Gattuso
Rino Gattuso
Rangers exploited a transfer loophole in April 1997 to sign the talented Italian under 21 star. Italian regulations state that a player is an amateur until they have played 10 first team games for their club. 18 year old Gattuso had only played eight games for Perugia in Serie A and under UEFA rules was eligible for a free transfer under freedom of contract.
The move sparked consternation at the highest level of the Italian FA. The whole of Serie A was up in arms about the move and are presently proposing new FIFA rules to protect their youth policies.
Gattuso initially signed a contract until the end of the season but is expected to sign up for at least another season to allow Rangers to fully assess the player. Unfortunately Gattuso signed after the Scottish transfer deadline so he has not been able to make any appearances for Rangers.
Walter Smith said at the time of the signing, "Rino was very impressive in a practice game and we decided to sign him. That's all there is to it. He is young and we still have to assess his talents. He'll return to Italy and then he'll be back here until the end of the season. After that the probability is we'll keep him for another season. He looks to be a genuine prospect and the type of player we would like at Ibrox. If he likes life in Scotland and progresses the way I think he will then he could well be a long term signing."
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