Ferguson: Rangers’ snub was ‘motivational fuel’ | OneFootball

Bologna star Lewis Ferguson reveals he used a ‘shocking’ Rangers FC snub when he was 14 as ‘motivational fuel’ and admits he dreams of playing in the World Cup with the Scotland national team.

Bologna midfielder Ferguson reveals Rangers FC refused to sign him when he was 14.

“I had a trial with Rangers, but they rejected me. I was a kid at the time, but I remember it as a huge disappointment, given my family’s connection to the club,” he told Gazzetta.

Ferguson’s father, Derek, spent seven years at the club, while his uncle Barry is a club icon, having spent 12 years with The Gers.

“However, that moment probably gave birth to the Lewis of today,” continued the Bologna star.

“Becoming a footballer was my dream, so from the very next day, I had to prove to everyone that they were wrong. I used that shock as motivational fuel to become even better.”

Ferguson suffered a severe knee injury last season, which was quite as shocking as Rangers FC’s snub.

Ferguson: Rangers’ snub was ‘motivational fuel’

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 13: Lewis Ferguson of Bologna FC reacts during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and AC Monza at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 13, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Both events taught me a lot, an incredible amount. Last season’s injury was the first of my career,” he argued.

“The first three weeks were really tough. I couldn’t move. I remember watching Milan vs. Roma the night after my surgery, wondering if I’d ever be able to move, sprint, and play like that again.

“I just stared at the hospital TV, and so many questions ran through my mind. I saw those guys on the pitch, my teammates, the ones I play against every week, and I thought it would be so difficult to recover and move like that again during a match.

“My mind was racing because it was inevitable to ask myself a million questions: Will I come back? How will I come back? Will I be the same? I spent an entire summer working hard, and I had incredible support here in Bologna. I returned to the pitch in early November, but it wasn’t easy at first…”

Despite this setback, he extended his contract with Bologna until 2029.

Ferguson joined Bologna from Aberdeen in 2022. In his first season (2022–2023), he made 32 Serie A appearances, scoring seven goals and providing three assists. His performances earned him the club’s Best Midfielder award that season.

What does he miss about his home country?

“I miss my big dog, Kobe, named after Kobe Bryant,” he admitted.

“Other than that, I live a quiet life. I enjoy watching golf; rugby, not so much, even though Scotland is a very strong team. I also like boxing. But usually, I don’t feel the need to do anything extravagant. I love spending time with my family. The simple, everyday life is enough for me.”

Scotland legend Denis Law, a former Torino star, died aged 84 in January.

“His passing affected all of us. He is a true legend,” said Ferguson.

“He sent me a message when I broke his goal-scoring record in Italy, which he set with Torino in the 1960s. I still have that message, and I almost get emotional when I read it. He is truly an icon.”

This is Ferguson’s third season at Bologna. What do the Rossoblu mean to him?

“Here, it’s a family. Looking back at my choice three years ago, I can say I’d make the same decision again. I didn’t make a single mistake my decision was perfect.

“The city? I love the people, passionate and cheerful. Bologna is a special place. I go to the city centre every now and then, but for me, this place already feels like home.”

Who are his best friends in football?

“Ndoye, Beukema, El Azzouzi, and Zirkzee. We have a group chat where we talk about football but also everyday life. Last year, we all used to go watch basketball together. I’m also friends with Billy Gilmour from Napoli.”

Many Scottish players have been shining in Serie A in recent years.

NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: Scott McTominay of Napoli battles for possession with Thomas Kristensen of Udinese during the Serie A match between Napoli and Udinese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“You’re right. Just think of McTominay, Che Adams, and Henderson,” noted Ferguson.

“It’s because we have quality, a strong mentality, we never drop below 100% effort, and we always push to bring out the best in ourselves and our team.”

Bologna had qualified for the Champions League for the first time in over 60 years last term but were eliminated in the league phase this season.

“I wish I could start the Champions League right now, in February,” argued Ferguson.

“I’d love to rewind the tape, return to the beginning of the competition, and play against Shakhtar Donetsk again, which was our first match. Because today, we are more of a team.

“Today, it would be completely different, and we would definitely earn more points. Today, we’d know exactly how to approach it. The Champions League is beautiful but incredibly tough, and those eight games helped us grow a lot.”

Lastly, the 25-year-old revealed his career dream: “Playing in the World Cup with my Scotland.”

The Scotland international has scored 14 goals in 81 appearances with Bologna. He is the Rossoblu captain this season and has collected 15 appearances and one goal under Vincenzo Italiano.