Novo: I left Rangers because Walter made me cry

STRIKER Nacho Novo has revealed he had to leave Rangers because manager Walter Smith was breaking his heart.

The Spaniard has turned down a new Ibrox contract and opted to sign a two-year deal with Sporting Gijon.

Novo called time on his six-year career with the SPL champions.

And he revealed he broke down in tears when Smith revealed he would not be in the starting line-up against Motherwell on the final game of the season.

He said: “Walter broke my heart at times.

“I did feel angry when I was always a substitute.

“I could not face another season as a substitute, not at my age.

“Before the final game of the season against Motherwell I was crying when I found out I was going to be a substitute again.

“I realised it could be my last game for the club and I wanted to play.

“That was what told me I had to leave Rangers. I got to the stage where I hated people calling me super-sub.

“I feel I am better than that, but I have had six incredible years with Rangers and I can’t be angry with anyone.”

Novo will now make his La Liga debut at the age of 31, a decade after he left Spain to sign for Raith Rovers.

“Leaving Rangers was a decision I had to make,” he said.