Rabbi Matondo has admitted he has “unfinished business” in Scottish football after completing his move to Hibernian following four seasons with Rangers.
The winger has now joined Hibs after impressing during a trial spell under new head coach Marink Reedijk, with Matondo revealing that his previous experience in Scotland played a major part in his decision to return.
The 26-year-old spent four seasons at Rangers after arriving from Schalke in 2022 and experienced plenty of highs and lows during his time at Ibrox, scoring a memorable Old Firm screamer but also struggling with injury and off-field issues.
Matondo eventually left Rangers earlier this year and had been without a club since the summer after his short term deal with SK Brann ended before Hibs offered him the opportunity to revive his career in Scotland.
Matondo joins Hibernian
Speaking after completing his move to Easter Road, the winger made it clear that he still had more to give in Scottish football.
“I still feel like this unfinished business, so I'm happy to be back and hopefully I can show that with Hibs,” Matondo said.
“I really enjoyed playing at Easter Road. It was one of the stadiums that I enjoyed playing at when I was in Scotland, first time round and yeah, I'm happy to be back.
“I enjoyed my time in Scotland,” he said. “Obviously, a few ups and downs, but that's football. That's your career.
“But in the whole, I enjoyed it. So, I look forward to this next chapter and hopefully we can create magical memories here.”
Matondo opens up on footballing life
The winger's Rangers spell came after a career which had already taken him across several countries and major clubs.
Matondo came through Cardiff City's academy before spending time with Manchester City's youth setup, while his move to Schalke saw him experience German football at senior level.
He explained that leaving home at around 15 or 16 and moving between countries and cities had played a significant role in shaping him both personally and professionally.
“I left home probably 15, 16. I'm 26 now, so 10 years of being away from the family and stuff,” he said.
“But it shaped me into the man I am today.
“You get all these different types of experiences being abroad in Germany and living alone, having to grow up at 18 by yourself.”
His time in Germany also gave him experience of the Bundesliga, while international football provided another important part of his development.
Matondo believes those experiences have left him with plenty to offer his new Hibs teammates, particularly the younger members of the squad.
“I feel I got a lot of experience,” he said. “And even for the younger boys in the group, I feel I can help and push the boys forward.”
Positive player
Now back in Scottish football, Matondo has outlined exactly what Hibs supporters can expect from him.
The former Rangers winger wants to be an attacking player who takes risks, creates opportunities and gives supporters something to get excited about.
“I try to be positive in my actions on the pitch,” Matondo said.
“So, whether that's dribbling, whether that's trying to score, whether that's trying to create, I try to be on the front foot.
“I try to be positive in every action, whether it's attacking or defending.
“What [fans] should expect is someone that's going to give 100% every time I have the shirt on.
“I will try and get them off their seats as well with a bit of excitement. So that's my aim.”
After four years at Rangers and an unsettled period following his departure, Matondo now has the chance to write a new chapter at Easter Road.
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