Bodo/Glimt captain Ulrik Saltnes has stated that former Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen constantly goes on about the Hoops.
Johansen played at Parkhead between 2014 and 2016 during the Ronny Deila era. Signed by Neil Lennon, the Norwegian international played a key role in 3 title successes and left Glasgow with 4 winner’s medals to his name.
Now at QPR, Johansen has made a fine career for himself down in England. The midfielder has already tasted Premier League football down south, but made his name at Celtic with 114 appearances to his name [Transfermarkt].
And as Celtic prepare to face Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night, Bodo captain Saltnes doesn’t think he’ll be able to rely on Stefan for any clues on how to topple the current Hoops side.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Saltnes said: “A lot of Norwegian players have played there as well, guys like Stefan Johansen and Kristoffer Ajer. Stefan is from the same club as me and when he’s back in Norway he always talks about Celtic.
“He tells me it was a massive club and a great place to play football. The culture is similar in Scotland to Norway so Norwegians tend to like it there. I haven’t spoken to Stefan before this game but I’m not sure he would give me too many details!”
Celtic still holds a big place in Stefan Johansen’s heart
It’s always nice to see when former players have caught the Celtic bug. It really is more than just a football club. It’s a way of life, and you can see how big an effect it has on those who have been lucky enough to experience it as a player.
Look at how many former Celtic player still openly keep in touch with the club’s progress on social media. Moussa Dembele is a prime example. He left Celtic back in 2018 yet still lauds and celebrates their results on Twitter.
Johansen, meanwhile, is another who regularly praises Celtic players and the club on Instagram. It’s clear he’s another who keeps tabs on how well the Hoops are doing despite only being here for 2 years.
It’s not as if Johansen was a bit-part player either of course. He was a key cog in the Celtic team during his time in Glasgow. Not to mention he ended the 2014/15 campaign as Scottish Football’s Player of the Year.
He’s remembered fondly by Celtic supporters, and it’s just a shame that he wasn’t here for a longer period. He certainly would’ve made a big impact during the Brendan Rodgers era too.
But regardless, for whatever reason it didn’t happen and now here we are. It’s still pleasing to see how much he continues to cherish his time here.
In other news, Liam Scales discloses Celtic boss’ strict demands after Raith display
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