Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong has labelled his treble success with Celtic as “special”.
Frimpong was part of the Neil Lennon side that managed to scoop up all 3 of 2019/20’s domestic competitions. Despite a disastrous campaign in which Frimpong ended up leaving the club for Germany in January, the Hoops did win the Scottish Cup a month prior to make it a 4th consecutive treble.
Frimpong returned to Parkhead with Leverkusen in the Europa League this season and was given a mixed reception. However, he clearly still thinks of time in Glasgow fondly.
In an interview with Bild in Germany, he was asked about a host of different subjects such as his relationship with Pep Guardiola at Man City and his friendship with German wonderkid Florian Wirtz. Within that, he was also asked about how he felt after winning the treble with the Hoops, and he made a touching remark as he looked back on it:
“The treble was incredible and it will never be forgotten. Since then, I’ve known how great titles feel.”
Frimpong left Parkhead having made 51 appearances for the club and having bagged 3 goals in the process [Transfermarkt].
Jeremie Frimpong – a player who represents big regret for Celtic
You do wonder had things been going more successfully for Celtic last season whether Frimpong would still be here. Sure, he had his sights set on bigger and better things and would’ve moved on eventually, but there was something rushed about his move to Leverkusen last season.
There have been conflicting stories in the past about whether Frimpong wanted to leave or not. The player himself said he wasn’t actively looking to depart [Daily Record]. Neil Lennon, meanwhile, stated that he “made it clear” he wanted to head off [Glasgow Times].
In truth, regardless of whether we could’ve kept him or not, you can’t deny he’s made the right move. Whilst he would’ve thrived under someone like Ange Postecoglou this season, his progress in Germany has been remarkable.
So much so that he’s now being linked with Barcelona and Bayern Munich [Sport 1]. Given he wasn’t exactly steeped in Celtic growing up, you can understand why Frimpong felt he had to take the £11.5m leap to the Bundesliga [Scottish Sun].
I personally wish him no harm. He gave his all during his time at the club, and it was clear the environment last season was toxic. With Leverkusen calling his name, I struggle to see how he can be blamed for wanting to better himself instead of staying in Lennon’s dressing room.
It’s clear he still values his time at Celtic and what he achieved here, even if it was brief.
In other news, Chris Sutton has been left extremely impressed with 2 Celtic players in 2022
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