Joe Aribo has hit back at claims he made the wrong decision when signing for Scottish giants Rangers.

The midfielder has been openly criticised for leaving Charlton this summer to move north of the border.

Current Addicks boss Lee Bowyer and former manager Chris Powell have both been outspoken in thinking the 22-year-old should've remained in the Championship for the benefit of his career.

The Academy product was a fan favourite at The Valley having played 81 league games and scoring 14 times, his move to Scotland angered many however - partly due to the relatively small compensation package of around £300k Charlton received for his move outside the English Leagues.

Aribo however feels his decision to join Steven Gerrard at Ibrox was justified and having played just 30-minutes for the Gers in their 4-0 European Qualifier win against Gibraltar's St Josephs, he was nothing but enthused about what lay ahead for him in Scotland.

“In the end it was my decision," Aribo told the Daily Record.

"I haven’t looked into what Lee has said too much.

“I knew he would say what he did because he is an honest guy and he had already said it to me.

“He pretty much said, ‘Don’t go there for the good of your career’, but I believe I made the right decision in coming here.

“I didn’t argue with him, I shrugged it off as I felt this was the best move for my career.

“I spoke to Lee in person to tell him what I had decided and he didn’t say much at the time.

"I could tell he was upset, but that was more because I was leaving Charlton.

“He cares about me, he didn’t want to lose me.

"We got on well, we had a very good relationship and so it was hard to let him know because I knew he’d be gutted.

"I believe I will change his mind.”

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The midfielder admitted it was a difficult decision to leave The Valley but the draw of European football, fighting for silverware and the chance to work under Gerrard was too big an attraction.

Despite the short time he has been working under Gerrard, the midfielder believes his game has already come along.

“I shouldn’t say this, but my team as a kid was Manchester United.

“But it’s massive to have Gerrard as my boss because he’s a hero to me. Sometimes I get caught out daydreaming and thinking, ‘Wow’.

"After speaking to the gaffer and seeing the size of the club it was a no-brainer.

“Every bit of information he’s given me has helped me. He’s already shown me different movements, getting into hard spaces in order to get the ball. I can’t wait to keep learning.

“I’m quite a South London boy, a home boy but after I spoke with the gaffer I knew this was the best place for me.

"Everyone wants to be a winner and the title challenge is added motivation.”