Darcheville to join Valenciennes

Rangers striker Jean-Claude Darcheville will join French team Valenciennes on January 1, the Scottish Premier League club revealed on Friday.

Darcheville, 33, has opted to leave Ibrox after making just 10 appearances for Walter Smith's side this season.

The former Bordeaux star, who has scored 16 goals in all competitions for Rangers, admits it was hard to turn his back on the Glasgow outfit.

“It is a difficult moment for me to leave Rangers because I played for a year and a half here and I was very happy in Glasgow,” Darcheville told the Rangers website.

“I had a good relationship with the staff, my manager and the fans but I need to play football.

“It will be good to go back to France because I'll be able to see my family there but I really enjoyed playing for Rangers.

“It has been a special time. I have good friends here who I can call when I leave and I'll always be a Rangers fan.”