'I have a beautiful relationship with him': Alfredo Morelos hails Rangers boss Steven Gerrard for 'protecting me from headlines' amid interest from Lille as the Colombian forward admits his 'options are open'

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Alfredo Morelos has praised Steven Gerrard for backing him through thick and thin and insists he will only leave Rangers with his head held high through the front door.

The Colombian's hopes of a big money move to Lille were severely dented when the French club splashed out £25million for Canadian striker Jonathan David from Gent.

Morelos bagged a weekend double as Rangers cruised past St Mirren as he returned to scoring form.

Alredo Morelos, celebrating against St. Mirren, has committed his future to Rangers 

And, in a TV interview on Colombian sports channel WinSports TV, Morelos insisted he will only quit Ibrox when both Rangers and him are satisfied with the offer.

He said: 'I have a very beautiful relationship with Steven Gerrard. He has always supported me through thick and thin, trusting me, always protecting me from the headlines.

'It's very important to me that the manager has confidence in me.

'We are waiting to see what happens. As everyone knows, there is a rumour about me moving to France, but there is nothing concrete. If things happen in the next week or so, they will.

Steven Gerrard had protected him from headlines as he continues to be linked with an exit 

'I want to make it clear my head is at Rangers though.

'I made an assist in the first game and scored two goals in my second game so I have started the season well. I hope to keep scoring and keep attracting the attention of many clubs.

'Right now, my options are open, there are options for more leagues, so let's hope that everything works out in the best way. There have been big teams from the big leagues enquiring about me - clubs from England, France and Spain.

'Look, everything has gone really well at Rangers. I scored 29 goals last season and did well in the Europa League.

'But no one has reached an agreement with Rangers yet and that's the important thing. Steven Gerrard himself has said that nothing will be done unless an agreement is reached.

Morelos insisted during the interview that his head very much remains focused on Rangers

'When that happens, I will leave Rangers out of the front door with my head held high and no problems. But for now, all I am thinking of is Rangers.

'I've had three incredible seasons at Rangers. If an opportunity comes for me and agreement is reached with Rangers, then I repeat, I will leave through the front door.

'But who knows what the future will bring because a lot of things can happen in football like injuries.'