Just In: Ianis Hagi is prepared for his “special” match in his hometown.

Ianis Hagi is excited for Thursday night’s “special” Europa League matchup with Fenerbahce.

Gheorghe Hagi, a former Romanian international, was becoming a hero at Galatasaray when the

26-year-old Rangers midfielder was born in Istanbul. He ended his playing career in the

Turkish capital after winning four league titles, two national cups, and the UEFA Cup before managing the team for two stints.

Hagi understands how important the first leg of the last-16 match is.

The Romanian international, who was less forthcoming about rumors that he would not be signing a new contract at Rangers,

stated, “It’s definitely special to come back here and play in the town where I was born.”

“I’m going to enjoy it on Thursday night because our family has so many wonderful memories of this place.

“We have conversations before and after every game so that he (Gheorghe) understands the significance of

European nights and the difficulty of achieving a result away from home.”

“We have discussed the game. He certainly has extensive knowledge of Turkish leagues and teams,

so I will undoubtedly seek his guidance.

Right now, Rangers and the Thursday game are my only priorities. I’m too thrilled for the game to

consider the future because I’ve been waiting a year to return to the European scene.

It’s illogical because football is a dynamic sport. My agents and the club need to discuss that.

“I’m not really thinking about the future right now, and that’s an honest response.

“This game is all that matters to me, followed by the next one, and so on.”