New Ger Zaliukas hits out at Leeds United

New Rangers signing Marius Zaliukas has joined Ross McCormack in his criticism of Leeds United.

Scotland internationalist McCormack spoke of being “hung out to dry” by the Elland Road outfit this week following his £11m move to Fulham.

That drew a stinging response from club owner Massimo Cellino who said the Leeds skipper had to go because he disrespected him.

Zaliukas, who has agreed a two-year deal with the Light Blues following a successful two-week trial, came north after being left out from a pre-season tour of Italy.

He still had 12 months of his deal remaining but, unimpressed by the club’s treatment of him, opted to quit and become a free agent.

“It was tough there,” admitted the Lithuania defender. “The circumstances at Leeds made my time a challenge. They didn’t deal well with that.

“The lifestyle and everything was difficult and I don’t think they got the best out of me. I would hear a lot of rumours about me and about the club.

“Now it is in the past and I’m happy about that. Leeds have new owners. They know what they want from their players and, apparently, I wasn’t in their plans.

“I am happy I left there and now I’m looking to the future. It is good to be here because Scotland feels like home.

“I don’t know what it is about the country, but I spent seven years over here and I feel happy in myself, and I feel more confident here.”

The switch will find the 30-year-old up against his former club Hearts and their city rivals Hibs in Championship action.

And with his fellow new signings Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd in the fold, Zaliukas is confident Rangers can finish in the automatic promotion place.

“Kris and Kenny will help everyone around them with their experience. I think we’re going to achieve what we’ve come here to do,” he said.

“It’s a strong group and a very friendly one too. They’ve made me feel like that since the first day.

“Playing against Hearts is going to be strange but I’m excited about it because they mean a lot to me but now I’m here I’m going to do my best for Rangers.”

In addition to signing Zaliukas, Miller and Boyd, Rangers have also brought in defender Darren McGregor and tied up keeper Steve Simonsen on an extended contract.