CARLOS PENA has revealed former Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha knew about his alcoholism - and still signed him twice.

The Mexican midfielder has checked in to the Baja del Sol rehabilitation clinic in the Mexican state of Sinaloa for at least a month in a bid to recover from his addiction.

Pena, who still has two years of his Ibrox contract to go, insists he is determined to beat his demons and return to the form that saw him capped by his country.

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And, in an interview on Mexican TV, Pena was asked whether flop former Rangers boss Caixinha - who signed him for the Ibrox side and took him on loan to current club Cruz Azul - was aware of the extent of his problems.

Pena said: "Pedro Caixinha knew about my issues, we were together for six months in Scotland so he was aware about my situation.

"I want to cleanse myself, that's why I have come here. I have a problem and I still have it, but I am getting treatment for it.

"The people here are wonderful. I have heard some incredible stories. They have made me feel valued again.

"I want to return to being a father, a husband, a son and a brother. I want to come out of this and be the best midfielder in Mexico again."

And Pena revealed why he decided to seek help for his troubles.

He said: "The days went by and I realised I had to do something. I made the decision with my wife. I'm here to clean up and do something with my life.

"For me, it was just alcohol. I've never taken drugs and I don't smoke. It wasn't that I drunk particularly large amounts of alcohol, but sometimes I was going out on a three-day session and going to parties too.

"I realised as an athlete I wasn't doing too well and I was having a hard time getting from box to box like I used to.

"And afterwards I was exhausted. I realised things had to change.

"It's a difficult step to recognise you have a problem. I thought everything was fine, but it wasn't. I won't be the first or last person with this problem.

"I left home when I was 13 to fulfil my dream of being a footballer and I've won titles and played in the World Cup.

"Now I want to get back to those days."

Caixinha himself insisted he was delighted Pena was on the mend, although refused to reveal whether he would take him back to Cruz Azul.

He pointed out: "Carlos is a great player and a huge human being and that's why I gave him not just one, but two opportunities.

"Sadly, for the situation that is now known, he didn't take them.

"I am so pleased he has taken this decision. I want him to recover as a man and as a player. I wish him the best from the bottom of my heart."