Former Celtic midfielder Kundai Benyu has opened up about his disappointing time at the club and his strained relationship with Brendan Rodgers, revealing his frustration at how he was treated by the Irishman.

A Dream Move Turns Sour

Benyu arrived at Celtic in 2017 as an exciting young prospect, having impressed at non-league level with Aldershot Town. The teenager was eager to work under Rodgers, who had built a reputation for developing young talents like Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling.

“When he (Rodgers) called me, I was happy because he is a big manager, who had managed Coutinho, Sterling and others,” Benyu said: (New Zimbabwe). “As an 18-year-old teenager, I couldn’t resist that.”

Initially, it seemed like the Zimbabwean midfielder had a bright future at Celtic Park, featuring in a few early matches. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse.

Frozen Out and Left in the Dark

Benyu claims he was suddenly cast aside without explanation, banished from the first team and made to train with the reserves.

“At first, I was involved in playing games but all of a sudden I was banished from the first team. I was made to train with the reserves and (was) kicked out of the changing room as well,” he revealed. “It was a horrible experience but I will say that it helped me to grow.”

Despite seeking answers from Rodgers, the young midfielder was repeatedly ignored, leaving him questioning what had gone wrong.

“For all these years, I have been asking myself the question why he did that to me. I was not given a season and I remember several times I went to his (Rodgers’) office asking why I was being treated as if I was not liked in the building. I was ignored all the time I made those efforts, so in the end I accepted (it) and moved on.”

A Career That Never Took Off at Celtic

Benyu’s time at Celtic was ultimately forgettable. He made just four competitive appearances before being loaned out to Oldham and Helsingborg, before permanently departing the Hoops.

“Until now, I always think about it, asking myself what I really did wrong, and I can’t think of anything because this is the same team that lured me there at first.”

While his time in Glasgow may not have gone to plan, Benyu insists the experience helped him grow. Now 27, he has played for various clubs across Africa and Europe, trying to rebuild his career after his Celtic disappointment.

For Celtic fans, his comments show a player who wasn’t willing to battle through tough times to prove himself to Brendan Rodgers. The moment a player doesn’t give the Irishman 100%, there’s no going back. With the Celtic boss known for his incredibly high standards, Benyu simply failed to match or even exceed Rodgers’ expectations.