Brendan Rodgers has revealed Kieran Tierney turned down major European interest to seal his emotional return to Celtic Park.
Rodgers made clear that Tierney’s desire to come home wasn’t just about football, the 28-year-old has taken a significant financial hit to pull on the Hoops once again. Having played at the top level with Arsenal and Real Sociedad, Tierney had no shortage of options. But his heart was set on Celtic.
The Irishman stressed that Tierney’s return isn’t just a sentimental one. With a proven Champions League-level operator now back in the dressing room, Rodgers believes the defender’s experience will play a huge role as the club looks to reassert itself on the European stage.
Rodgers also hinted that Tierney’s decision speaks volumes about his emotional connection to the club, and suggested talks had been ongoing for some time. With his peak years still ahead of him, the Celtic boss is confident the returning defender can be a key part of what lies ahead.
He said: (RecordSport), “In isolation, Kieran coming back is brilliant for the team.
“Make no doubt about it, Kieran has sacrificed to come back here in a financial way because he really wanted to come back.
“But to have that player of the quality and experience that he has now, it’s going to be really big for us.
“We want to make strides in European football so to bring that level of player in will certainly help us to do that.
“I think it tells you everything about what he missed and that feeling that he missed when he left.
“I know the clubs involved because I was part of the process in bringing him back so I know where he could have gone.
“But this always felt the right place for him when we spoke months ago. I’m really happy for him.
“He’s not even at his peak age yet, he’s still got a lot of years left in him and hopefully we’ll have them here at Celtic which I know he’s really excited about.”
Tierney’s arrival sends a strong signal of intent from the club, with Rodgers clearly building a side capable of competing well beyond the domestic front. The left-back has lifted silverware at every stop in his career and brings a level of professionalism and drive that should raise standards.
He also knows the club inside out, which could prove crucial both in the dressing room and under pressure in big matches. His relationship with the fans, forged during his breakout years, will only add to the buzz around Parkhead.
Rodgers’ admiration for Tierney’s decision is telling. Celtic may not have been the largest financial option, but it was the one that mattered most to the player. It’s a statement move for both sides.
With fitness permitting, Tierney looks set to play a central role in Celtic’s title defence and their ambitions in Europe. The fact he chose this moment to come back could prove pivotal in shaping the club’s immediate future.
