Renowned Scottish club Rangers FC on Wednesday announced the signing of women’s national team forward Bala Devi, a first in Indian football.
Subject to international clearance, the 29-year-old will join the club on an 18-month deal after a successful spell on trial at Rangers in November.
The Indian team’s forward is the current leading scorer for the Indian team, she has 52 goals in 58 matches since 2010.
She was also named as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Women’s Player of the Year twice, in 2015 and 2016.
Speaking of her delight at signing for Rangers, Bala said: “To play my football in Europe with one of the biggest clubs in the world is something I could never have dreamed of.
“I hope my move to Rangers serves as an example to all the women footballers back home in India who dream of taking up the sport professionally. I’m looking forward to making the most of the top-class facilities and coaching and I am certain I will benefit immensely from the standard of training and competition.
“I’m very grateful to Amy McDonald, the coaching staff and the entire management at Rangers for believing in me. Also, this move wouldn’t have been possible without Bengaluru FC who have been instrumental throughout.”
