You know the true worth of a man from how he is valued by others.
On Sunday afternoon, Celtic hero Kieran Tierney made what is expected to be his final home appearance for Arsenal against Newcastle United.
Mikel Arteta’s side, needing a win to all but confirm their Champions League status for next season, brought Tierney onto the field of play minutes before the end of the match.
Celtic and Arsenal fans are usually used to Tierney bombing down the left flank as a left-back, but in recent times, he has been used as a left-sided winger.
That was the case when he replaced Leandro Trossard against Newcastle, with the home crowd giving the 27-year-old a huge cheer as he entered the pitch, before singing ‘there is only one Kieran Tierney’.
It was a deserved reception and send-off for a player who has always given his all.
Arsenal fans all say the same thing about Celtic-bound Kieran Tierney after final home game
Celtic fans are delighted that Tierney will return, and what’s even better is the fact that it will be a free transfer after joining Arsenal for £25 million in 2019.
Either way, the Arsenal supporters on social media are saddened by Tierney’s exit, and they loved the reception he was given when he came onto the pitch.
A common theme emerged from the Arsenal fans’ messages about the Scotland star, and that’s how he has given his all, no matter what!
@ArsenalN7 lauded Tierney’s efforts: ‘Kieran Tierney is the definition of a CULT HERO. Always professional, always gave 100% for Arsenal. Just pure class. Will forever love and support this man 👏🏴’
@now_arsenaI with appreciation: ‘Kieran Tierney’s last ever game in Arsenal colours at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon. It’s been a journey. What a top professional. 142 games for the Gunners. It’s been fun. Thank you, KT. 🏴 ❤️’
@arsenalmine says he will miss Tierney: ‘There is always one player who’s not a superstar just a grafter who gives his all, and gets under your skin. Keiran Tierney is that guy and l’m gonna miss him. Farewell our Scottish Prince’.
@jessiehxsking thinks it’s too much: ‘Not ready to say goodbye to Kieran Tierney to be honest’.
@laythy29 explains why Tierney has always been a ‘true’ team player: ‘Cheers for Kieran Tierney who replaces Trossard as the crowd sings his name in what will surely be his final appearance in red & white here at the Emirates. What a loyal servant to the Arsenal cause. Never once moaned about his lot with injuries or lack of starts. A true team man’.
@noelmickedy noted how Arsenal fans welcomed Tierney onto the pitch: ‘That Kieran Tierney reception’.
@ashburton_army continued the positive theme: ‘Tierney, wherever you go. I will thank you for coming to Arsenal during a dark time and being among the first to turn the light on. “…Tierney in the back…”‘
@SemperFiArsenal added: ‘Tierney’s last Emirates appearance’.
@ArsenalCircle also showed his respects to Tierney: ‘Here’s to you Kieran Tierney! Time has flown by. Always got on with the job. And will always be a gunner!’
@GoodmanBurner noted how the Celtic-bound player acted during the ‘dark’ times: ‘Was a shining light in quite a dark time supporting the club. Tierney grazie di tutto’.
@TorukMakt0_ on what he will tell his kids: ‘Sir Kieran Tierney I will tell my kids about you’.
@davidgill201281 with a brilliant message: ‘I want say thank for Kieran Tierney is best for play a arsenal and win fa cup 2020 He ready leave arsenal and go back home for Celtic He great time play moment 2019 to 2025’.
Tierney’s Arsenal and Celtic career in numbers
Many spoke about the injuries Tierney suffered during his time in the Premier League, and it did set him back on a number of occasions, but the man himself never changed.
That’s the beauty of the player, and what also needs to be noted is how he has been fit and available since December.
Nonetheless, with one more appearance to come, this is how Tierney’s career fares, in numbers, at Arsenal compared to his first spell at Celtic.
| Club | Games | Goals | Assists | Trophies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtic | 170 | 8 | 37 | 11 |
| Arsenal | 143 | 5 | 14 | 1 |
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
