“It was heartbreaking, but I barely had a moment to think about the conclusion of last season before heading straight to the World Cup, a tournament that ranks among the greatest highlights of any player’s career.
“My mother, father and partner were there in the United States cheering me on. So I was just trying to soak it all up as much as possible.
“I believed going into the tournament without a contract would be a smart move, but it turned out to be the opposite.
“It was far too stressful. It was difficult to simply stay present at the World Cup while managing all that uncertainty and the surrounding chatter, with my dad constantly asking for updates.”
Devlin did not increase his tally of five international appearances during the tournament, and one week after Australia’s round-of-32 loss to Egypt, Hearts confirmed he would leave as a free agent, with Rangers unveiling his signing the very next day.
“Everyone is aware of the bond I share with the manager — we are extremely close, and he was fantastic for me during my time at Hearts. The campaign we enjoyed together is well documented,” he said. “He contributed massively to my development as a footballer.
“I was doing my best not to dwell on the contract situation and to simply relish the World Cup experience, but when this chance materialised, it was simply too appealing to turn down.”
Devlin describes the choice to depart Hearts as “a difficult one.”
“Hearts is an incredibly unique club, and I will always be thankful for the chance they gave me to play my football away from Australia,” he said.
“There were certainly other factors I had to consider regarding Hearts — I had never before been in a situation where I was out of contract.
“The Rangers opportunity arrived a little later. Having spent a long time in Scotland, I am fully aware of just how massive a club it is.
“Wearing the Rangers jersey is truly extraordinary and something I never imagined would come to pass. It was simply an offer I could not refuse.”
Reflecting on the title disappointment of the previous campaign, Devlin added: “Football can be brutal at times, and you just have to dust yourself off and seize the next chance that comes your way.
“I hope I can achieve an even better outcome with Rangers.”
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