Marco Tilio’s summer move to Celtic last year didn’t go to plan.
The winger was plagued by injury after joining the Hoops and played just under half an hour of football for the Bhoys in 2023/24.
Tilio returned to Melbourne City on loan for the second half of the campaign but his fortunes still wouldn’t take a turn for the better.
Brendan Rodgers has a plethora of wingers at his disposal ahead of the upcoming season and thus, the 22-year-old has gone back to Melbourne for a third spell.
Tilio’s one-year loan to the Aussie side was confirmed late last night and after it, he opened up on what has been a toiling 12 months for him.
“It’s probably been my toughest year of being a professional”, he said (ESPN).
“Getting that dream move to Celtic and then pretty much from there, everything didn’t fall into place.
“Being injured there and then coming back here on loan to play football and help qualify for the Olympics, it pretty much all was taken away from me through other injuries.
“It was a tough year being out [around] eight months of the past 12, that’s why I hope to have a really good preseason this year. I’ve got plenty of time to get myself fit and strong and ready to have a good year.”
Tilio still has four years left on his Celtic contract. With no buy option in his latest loan exit, the Australian international will want to build foundations this year from which he can propel himself to make an impact in Glasgow next term.
