Kieran Tierney’s emotional return to Celtic Park didn’t just move the fans in the stands — it stirred a wave of nostalgia and pride among his former teammates too.
When Celtic posted official footage of Tierney stepping back onto the Paradise turf during the 4-0 friendly win over Newcastle United, social media lit up. And among the thousands reacting were some very familiar names.
Moussa Dembélé and Scott Sinclair — both key players in Brendan Rodgers’ iconic Invincible side — were quick to drop emojis under the post, making it clear they were watching and loving the moment. But it was former Celtic centre-back Erik Sviatchenko who captured the emotion best, commenting simply: “Goosebumps.”
It’s a one-word reaction that encapsulates what Tierney’s return means to those who shared the pitch with him during one of the most iconic seasons in modern Celtic history.
The 2016/17 Invincible season remains etched in the memory of supporters. It was a campaign defined by brilliance, unity, and an unbreakable bond between the players and fans. Tierney, then a fearless young full-back from the academy, was central to that success — as were Dembélé, Sinclair, and Sviatchenko.
To see those players now showing their appreciation for his return highlights something important: the lasting connection they have not only with Tierney, but with Celtic itself.
It’s rare in modern football to witness genuine affection between past and present — especially on social media, where gestures can often feel performative. But there was nothing forced about the reactions from Tierney’s old teammates. These were heartfelt responses from players who clearly still care deeply about the club and the people in it.
Tierney’s comeback has already sparked major excitement among supporters, but this latest moment offers something even more poignant. It’s a reminder that Celtic — the club, the fans, the legacy — leaves its mark. And that the Invincibles, despite having moved on in their careers, still bleed green and white.
