Kieran Tierney has told CeltsAreHere why now felt like the right time to return to Celtic, making clear he’s not just passing through. At 28, the left-back says this move is about coming home for the long haul, not a quick stop.
Tierney spoke about what it means to come back at this stage in his career. After moving on once before, he knows how quickly things can change in football. This time, he feels settled, and that sense of stability is important both for him and the team he’s joining.
He also pointed to the thinking behind signing a long-term deal. Tierney isn’t here just to make up the numbers. He wants to play a big part in keeping Celtic on top. He’s aiming to help drive success, not just enjoy it.
Tierney told CeltsAreHere that the timing was key. In football, you don’t always get to pick your moment—but sometimes everything lines up just right. For him, this was that moment: fitness, family, form, and the strong pull back to Celtic Park.
He said: “You don’t come back to your home at 28 and think about going somewhere else again. Obviously in football, you never know — I learned that the first time around.
“I grew up never thinking I’d leave Celtic. But things happen. For me, I’ve signed a long-term deal, so I definitely see myself being here for the rest of my career.
“To be successful here is to keep Celtic at the top. That’s the ambition — plain and simple. Keep Celtic at the top, that’s what matters most to me.
“I don’t know if I had solid plans. Like I said, in football anything can happen. But you’re always thinking, “Can it happen?” or “When’s the right time?” This time just felt perfect.”
Tierney’s return isn’t about sentiment. It’s a clear decision to throw himself back into the heart of the club. He knows exactly what’s expected at Celtic, both in Scotland and in Europe, and he’s come back fully aware of the pressure that comes with the badge.
His new long-term deal says a lot. It’s not just about giving himself a stable future. It shows he’s committed to the club’s goals. He’s ready to give some of his best years to Celtic and help drive the team forward.
When he talks about keeping Celtic at the top, it carries weight. This isn’t just talk. He’s joined a squad built to win now and challenge further. Tierney wants to be right at the centre of that push.
This move is about more than just coming home. Tierney’s here to compete, to bring silverware back to Celtic Park, and to lead. It’s clear the club still means everything to him and now he’s ready to give it everything back.
