Rangers captain Steven Davis has revealed the reasons behind his decision to reject having his contract transferred to a newco.

The midfielder joined a long list of teammates yesterday evening in turning down the transfer, thus making him a free agent.

Despite admitting that it was difficult decision to make, the 27-year-old insisted that he opted to leave the club for the good of his career.

"I have never been one to shout my mouth off. Only those that know me will know how much Rangers mean to me. I felt it was only right to give the fans an explanation of how I've agonised so much over this decision," he said in a statement. "I signed a new contract last year in the knowledge of giving my best years to the club with European football and challenging for leagues & cups year after year, that's why I came to Rangers.

"My young family love life in Scotland but after all that's gone on since going into administration in February there comes a point when I needed to make a decision based on what was best for my short career. I am 27 and I hope you all understand I need to be playing at the highest possible level.

"Hopefully, I've repaid everyone by playing my part in teams that have won eight trophies and a European final in my four-and-a-half years at Rangers."

Davis has recently been linked with a move to Premier League side Southampton.