Steven Gerrard has sent a farewell message to Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and their Rangers teammates, after he was confirmed as Aston Villa new manager on Thursday.

Gerrard left the Scottish champions after three and a half years in charge to take up a new challenge in the Premier League.

He will take charge of his first game as Villa boss when Brighton travel to Villa Park on Saturday, November 20.

Villa are currently two points outside of the bottom three after failing to win a league game since September and Gerrard will be hoping to arrest the club’s current clump in form.

After being unveiled as the new head coach, Gerrard said: “Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am immensely proud to become its new Head Coach.

“In my conversations with Nassef, Wes and the rest of the Board, it was apparent how ambitious their plans are for the club and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everybody associated with Glasgow Rangers for giving me the opportunity to manage such an iconic football club

“Helping them secure a record-breaking 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart. I would like to wish the players, staff and supporters the very best for the future.”