The 28-year-old scored his first Rangers goal in a 4–1 win over Dundee on the 9th of September, but things went downhill from there on in.
Some supporters were buzzing with the club’s choice to bring him in on a three-year deal, without really knowing what the future held for the Mexican, as they took to the confirmation of the signing on Twitter in delight.
He is an amazing player! but have problems with “the party”, if Rangers can control it, can be one of the best players in the league
— Francisco Sánchez (@fransancheez) 22 June 2017
He's a great player, in león you Must have a many new fans @RangersFC
— EL CHELÁS (@pakodemon) June 23, 2017
Keep him away from the bars and he will tear it up in the midfield.
— Israel Dominguez (@10iisrael) June 22, 2017
Looks like a great signing here….
— Drew Murphy (@DrewMur12004311) June 23, 2017
Now that's the Rangers I know …..bringing in some quality players
— Musiitwa AH (@m_ctwa) June 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/RhysRRS/status/877952810624483328
Born in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Carlos Pena graduated from C.F Pachuca’s youth categories, and made his first-team debut on 14 April 2010. In May 2011, Pena joined Ascenso MX side Club Leon, where he appeared in 31 matches during his first campaign with Los Panzas Verdes. And, in 2013-14 Pena scored 12 goals, as Leon was crowned champions of both Apertura and Clausura tournaments.
On the 6th of December 2015, C.D. Guadalajara announced they had signed Pena. The Mexican scored on his official debut against Veracruz on the 10th of January 2016. And, despite a slow start to the Clausura 2016 season, Pena scored seven goals in 17 appearances.
Indeed, on the 22nd of June 2017, Pedro Caixinha’s Rangers announced the signing of Pena on a three-year contract.
However, the midfielder didn’t enjoy a very successful time of things at Rangers as he went on to make only 14 appearances in Light Blue before rejoining the sacked Caixinha in Mexico at Cruz Azul on loan in January.
Interestingly, Pena was sacked by Cruz Azul following a series of embarrassing off-field, alcohol-related incidents.
After a short stint in rehab his loan deal was picked up by Liga MX rivals Necaxa who won the Supercopa MX just a month after Pena joined them.
But, Necaxa terminated the player’s loan deal two months early meaning it’s back to Rangers for Pena who still has 18 months left on his contract.
With the Bluenoses beginning to find their feet in the Scottish Premiership and making headway in the Europa League, you struggle to see a way back in for Carlos Pena, who spends most of his time causing trouble. So, having witnessed his poor performances in the blue shirt, it comes as some surprise that supporters were so delighted.
